One in four

So, one in four Britons can expect to get a diagnosis of cancer. Well, that's ok, then - I've had mine! 

If only it were that simple; the statistics are worrying - 6 in 10 of those diagnosed will die of cancer, many of those treated may be cured of cancer but suffer from other serious health problems. And - joy unlimited - those who have been diagnosed once are more likely than the rest of the population to be diagnosed again. That really makes me feel good. At least I know there are now three cancers I can't possibly develop since I no longer have the relevant parts of my anatomy to do so!

This is the first time I've heard of a major report that admits that the side-effects of the treatment can be devastating. Interesting, since it's easy enough to find those statistics if you know where to look.

Does this sort of journalism help? I have to say I didn't find it at all helpful: Four in 10 will get cancer, warns charity Macmillan. Cancer isn't something you catch, you know - despite the fact that referring to people 'getting cancer' suggests it is...
Anyway, consciousness-raising is vital, but there's a very fine line between that and scare-mongering.