Burnley’s mortality rates have been poor compared to the national average, but since 1997 life expectancy has increased, and deaths from cancer and heart disease have, on average, decreased according to new figures obtained by Kitty Ussher MP.  

Since 1997 life expectancy has increased by a year for women, and two years for men, with the average Burnley woman and the average Burnley man now expected to reach the age of 78 and 74 respectively. 

This is due in part to a decrease in deaths from 2 of the biggest killers; heart disease and cancer. Whilst in 1998 136 men died from cancer, the statistics from the past year show that this figure has now fallen to 103, and whilst 126 women died from cancer in the same year, the figure now stands at a significantly reduced 113.  

Similarly with heart disease, the number of deaths has fallen dramatically. In 1997 149 men and 146 women died of heart disease, whilst in 2005 this figure had fallen to only 91 men and 96 women, signifying a reduction in deaths of over 33%.   

The figures were obtained from the Department of Health and the Office of National Statistics following parliamentary questions tabled by local MP Kitty Ussher. 

This increased life expectancy can be put down in part to the standard of healthcare being provided in Burnley, and an improved quality of life for Burnley residents.

Burnley’s MP, Kitty Ussher said; 

“At a time when healthcare is at the forefront of everybody’s minds, as we continue to fight for the A & E in Burnley, it is encouraging to see that non-emergency healthcare here has improved, and continues to improve, and that our hospital has been so successful in treating patients with cancer and heart disease. I would also like to congratulate our medical professionals here for the high standard of care that they have been delivering.” 

The full text of the parliamentary answers obtained by Kitty Ussher can be found on these two links: 

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2006-10-23a.95718.h&s=section%3Awrans+speaker%3A11464#g95718.q0 

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2006-10-23a.95707.h&s=section%3Awrans+speaker%3A11464#g95707.q0

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