Manchester has the worst overall level of early death and the highest cancer death rate in the country, according to a national league table of premature death rates published today.
The Longer Lives website, which is also launched today, is run from Public Health England and ranks local authorities using a traffic light system which ranges from red for the worst areas to green for the best.
There is a startlingly broad north/south divide in the statistics, with Manchester and Blackpool coming top of the grisly list of most deaths of those under 75 over a two year period.
Manchester had 455 premature deaths per 100,000 people from 2009 to 2011 as well as the highest death rates from cancer in the UK – with 152 deaths per 100,000 people recorded.
Shockingly, the city also has the highest death rate in the country from heart disease and stroke, with 116 deaths per 100,000 people.
This makes it the worst out of the list of 150 local authorities.
Professor John Newton, chief knowledge officer at Public Heath England, admitted that the information provided is hard-hitting and challenging, but said it is ‘urgent’ that something is done about the health inequalities in England.
“The message for local authorities is that there are a large number of people dying before they should and that there are things that can be done,” he said.
It is hoped the site will spark a national debate on tackling premature deaths, rather than worry those living in red traffic light rated cities such as Manchester.
Commenting on the statistics, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “This shocking variation in early and unnecessary deaths means people’s lives are needlessly cut short and that cannot continue unchecked.
“I want areas to use the data released today to identify local public health challenges like smoking, drinking and obesity and to take action to help achieve our ambition for saving 30,000 lives a year by 2020.”
Wokingham, Berkshire, has the lowest overall premature mortality rate with 200 deaths in the same two year period.
Public Health England said there were 103,000 avoidable early deaths in England each year, making the country seventh out of 17 European countries for men and 15th for women.
While Longer Lives is primarily targeting local authorities, it also includes advice on how individuals can reduce their risk of developing serious conditions.
Picture courtesy of the National Cancer Institute, via WikiCommons.
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