Good detection raises cases, but lifestyle remains a risk factor

Scandinavian countries are often regarded as a good example of nations which look after their health and have generally better lifestyles than the UK.

But Denmark has found itself in the unfortunate position of topping the league for rates of cancer around the world.

Part of the reason for this high rate – with about 326 people out of every 100,000 developing cancer each year – is thought to be down to the country’s good record at diagnosing the disease.

As is the case with many countries, including the UK, it may also appear that rates of diseases like cancer are higher than elsewhere due to good cancer registries which include all patients rather than just a sample.

But in the case of Denmark, higher rates of cancer may also be linked to high levels of smoking among women. While lung cancer deaths have fallen significantly in men in recent years, figures show they remain high in women.

The nation also has high levels of alcohol consumption, which is risk factor for several cancers.