A MAN’S risk of developing cancer is set to reach one in two by 2027 according to Cancer Research UK figures recently released.

The prediction means that within 15 years 50 men out of every 100 are likely to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime.

The risk to women is also increasing, and is predicted to rise to 44 out of every 100 women by the same year.

Set against this is the fact that the cancer survival rate has doubled in the last 40 years, thanks to research developing better techniques to detect the disease and the improvement in treatments to increase survival.

Funding the research has never been more vital and last year 7,745 women took part in Race for Life in Winchester and Southampton and raised £454,000.

This year, organisers need 8,000 women and girls to stride out to help raise their £460,000 target for vital research.

Rachel Northover, Cancer Research UK’s south east events manager, said: “We are grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life last year and in the past. But the battle against cancer never stops and we need everyone to return to the fight in 2013 and bring new recruits with them.”

The money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance the research which is saving the lives of men, women and children across the south.

n Race for Life takes place at The Garrison Ground and University of Winchester stadium on Sunday, June 9, and at Southampton Common on Sunday, July 14.

To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.