Cancer is biggest men killer

Cancer has overtaken heart disease as the biggest killer of British men, although death rates from both illnesses are falling, it emerged yesterday.

There were 79,800 cancer deaths and 79,500 heart disease deaths among men in 2001, latest figures from Cancer Research UK show. This compares with 84,250 men killed by cancer and 100,600 by heart disease a decade earlier.

The charity's chief executive, Sir Paul Nurse, said: 'That cancer has become Britain's No.1 killer in men sounds like bad news but it is important to remember that deaths from cancer are falling. It is just that deaths from heart disease are coming down more rapidly.

'It is vital that men are made aware of the early warning signs for cancer and realise the chances of being cured are far better if the disease is treated as soon as it becomes apparent.'

Heart disease deaths are falling because of lifestyle changes and new cholesterollowering drugs. Experts think cancer death rates will fall more slowly owing to the more complex nature of the disease.

Cancer warning signs include unusual lumps in the body and blood in the urine.