The government's efforts to tackle cancer rates in England are being hampered by delays, staff shortages and a "postcode lottery" of care.

According to a National Audit Office report published today, incidences of cancer increased by 31 per cent between 1971 and 2000.

The causes are thought to be an increase in women smoking in the 1960s, and a greater number of people ignoring advice about avoiding the sun.

However, death rates among cancer sufferers fell by 12 per cent during the same period.