NWCR
Putting our region's cancer needs first

Merseyside

Our regional report from 2022 highlights key patterns of cancer in Merseyside. Despite its population broadly being in line with wider demographics, the area has concerning liver and lung cancer incidence rates.

Cancer rates in Merseyside are the second highest in the North West.

Top 5 Areas of Need 

    1. Liver cancer in Merseyside is 75% higher than in the rest of England.
    2. Merseyside has exceptionally high lung, trachea, and bronchus cancer rates, 59% higher than the national average.
    3. Oesophageal cancer rates are high across the North West. Merseyside has a significant disease burden with a 39% higher incidence rate than the rest of the country. 
    4. Merseyside’s bladder cancer rates are concerning – the county over-indexes by 36% compared to the English average.
    5. Cases of stomach cancer are high in Merseyside, with incidence rates charting 35% above the rest of the country.

      

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Cancer in Merseyside

Cancer rates in Merseyside are in line with the cases reported across the North West – with overall recorded cancer cases tracking 7% higher than that of the national population.

The county is the most deprived in the North West, with significantly high levels of deprivation compared to the regional and national averages. Merseyside’s population is relatively young, with 69% living within the Liverpool City Region aged under 54.

Around 28% of the population in the Liverpool City Region work in routine or manual roles. 26% have managerial, administrative, or professional occupations. 

Students comprise 10% of the Liverpool City Region population.

8% of people in the area are long-term unemployed or have never worked. 

Across the county, a varied picture of cancer rates emerges, with Sefton recording the highest peak rates in the county at 22% over the national average. Urban communities living in Liverpool City Centre recorded the lowest cancer rates – 10% below the regional average.

Oesophageal, stomach, and bladder cancers pose a significant health burden for Merseyside, with rates tracking significantly higher than the rest of the country. In addition, and in common with Manchester, lung cancer is a significant issue for Merseyside, with recorded rates almost 60% higher than the national average.

Although rare, the county also struggles with an extremely high incidence of liver cancer that dwarfs rates recorded across the rest of England.

In our full report, you can learn more about our research into cancer incidence rates across the North West and North Wales.

Read the report