06 November 2025
Public Health Jersey has today published a joint report with Guernsey, providing the most
recent data on cancer incidence and mortality across the Islands. The report, compiled by the
National Disease Registration Service, NHS, covers the years 2009 to 2022.
This is the final in a series of three catch-up reports published between 2024 and 2025, which
have addressed a long-standing delay in cancer data reporting.
The report includes data from the Covid-19 pandemic period, during which cancer screening
and diagnostic services were disrupted. It offers a comprehensive overview of cancer trends
and highlights areas where prevention and early detection remain critical.
Key findings include:
Incidence:
- Cancers in Jersey become more common with age, with approximately a third of
cancers occurring in individuals aged 75 years and over.
- Men have a higher incidence of cancer than women, the reason for which is not fully
understood, though may be due to lifestyle factors, biological differences, or a
willingness to seek care.
- In Jersey there was an average of 1,032 malignant cancers registered each year between
2020 and 2022. Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) accounted for around 41 percent
of these.
- In Jersey, the three most commonly registered cancers after NMSC were prostate,
breast, and colorectal cancer.
- Head and neck cancer in Jersey continues to be higher than in the South-West and
England. Around 36 new cases of head and neck cancer are diagnosed in Jersey each
year.
- Skin cancer rates continue to be higher in Jersey than in the South-West and England.
Around 58 new cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed each year.
- Breast cancer incidence, which was previously higher than in England, is now similar
(but not lower). However, this may reflect an impact from the pandemic when screening
services were disrupted.
Mortality:
- In Jersey there was an average of 248 deaths due to malignant cancers registered each
year between 2020 and 2022.
- Jersey has a similar mortality rate for all cancers combined (excluding NMSC) to the
South-West and England.
- In Jersey the average mortality rate for bladder cancer was higher than the South-West
but is not significantly different to England. There are around 12 deaths in Jersey due to
bladder cancer each year.
- The average mortality rate for head and neck cancer in Jersey continues to be higher
than in the South-West but is not significantly different to England. There are around 10
deaths in Jersey due to head and neck cancer each year.
- The average mortality rates for colorectal and prostate cancer were lower than the
South-West and England.
The report highlights a number of risk factors associated with the incidence of caners seen
locally. UV exposure (from sunlight and sunbeds) is the primary risk factor for skin cancers.
Smoking and excessive alcohol use are the main contributors to head and neck cancers. In
addition to indicating a need to focus on prevention work to tackle preventable cancers, the
report also raises the importance of cancer screening programmes.
Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley said: “This report provides a valuable
overview of cancer trends across the Channel Islands. While some incidence rates are higher
than national averages, our mortality figures remain broadly in line. The findings reinforce the
importance of prevention and early detection, and we encourage all Islanders to check their
eligibility for screening services, engage with screening programmes and take proactive steps to
reduce their cancer risk through lifestyle changes.”
Dr Elizabet Gomes Dos Santos, Consultant in Medical Oncology, Service Lead for Oncology
said: "We continue to see higher rates of head and neck and skin cancers locally, which are
largely preventable. These figures highlight the need for greater public awareness and early
engagement with health services. Our focus remains on delivering patient-centred care and
supporting Islanders to take control of their health."
Read the Channel Islands Cancer Report.
Screening services are available to eligible Islanders, information is available
at Cancer and diabetes screening programmes.
Prevention and screening services available to Islanders:
- Breast screening: Offered to women aged 50–69 every two years.
- Cervical screening: Offered to individuals with a cervix aged 25–64.
- Bowel screening: Offered to individuals aged 55–65 every two years.
- Help2Quit: Free support and nicotine replacement therapy for those wishing to stop
smoking.
- Alcohol and Drugs Service: Confidential support for Islanders with problematic
substance use.
- Move More: A Jersey Sport initiative encouraging regular physical activity.
gov.je