International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Women in the UK are much less likely to die of cancer than men, a new study has indicated.

According to figures published by the National Cancer Intelligence Network and Cancer Research UK, males are 40 per cent more likely to die of cancer – largely because they are less willing to seek a diagnosis at an early stage.

It is also claimed that men are 16 per cent more likely to develop cancer, with unhealthy lifestyles blamed for this statistic.

Alan White, professor of Men's Health at Leeds Metropolitan University and chair of the Men's Health Forum, said the evidence shows that men are generally not aware that, as well as smoking, carrying excess weight, having a high alcohol intake and a poor diet all contribute to their increased risk of developing and dying prematurely from cancer.

He added: "More research needs to be done before we can be sure exactly why this gender gap exists. Many of these deaths could be avoided by changes in lifestyle and earlier diagnosis."

Earlier this month, researchers at the National Cancer Institute in Bogota, Columbia, claimed that millions of women aged between 24 and 45 could benefit from having a vaccine to protect them from developing cervical cancer.