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UK cancer mortality statistics for females

Ten most common causes of cancer death

Lung cancer causes the largest proportion – a fifth - of female cancer deaths in the UK (Figure 5.1).

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In 2006, lung cancer was responsible for 14,550 female deaths in the UK. Breast cancer, the second most common cause of female cancer death, caused 12,319 deaths and accounted for 17% of all female cancer mortality. Colorectal cancer was responsible for 7,446 deaths and 10% of all cancer deaths in females.

Deaths from lung, breast and colorectal cancers together account for nearly half (47%) of all female cancer mortality.

Please note: uterine cancer here refers to cancer of the uterus in addition to unspecified cancers of the uterus (ICD-10 codes C54+C55) - more information can be found in out section on cancer of the uterus

References for cancer deaths in females

1. Office for National Statistics, Mortality Statistics: Cause England & Wales, 2006. Vol. DH2 No.32. 2006: TSO.
2. GRO for Scotland Registrar General's Annual Report, 2006.
3. Northern Ireland Cancer Registry Cancer Mortality in Northern Ireland, 2006 2006

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