People living in Bradford today are less likely to die of cancer than five years ago thanks to improvements in health services, but the risk remains twice as high as some southern parts of the country.

Government figures have revealed the true variation of mortality rates for under-75s dying from the disease.

Latest figures for 2006 show in Bradford the death rate stood at 118 per 100,000 people, compared with 121 in 2005 and 135 in 2002.

Bradford and Airedale Teaching PCT said it was improving cancer services across the district and helping people to reduce the risk of developing cancers, in line with the NHS Cancer Plan, which was introduced in September, 2000.

A spokesman said: "Patients suspected of cancer now receive faster access to investigations, diagnosis and treatment, and radiotherapy waiting times are also improving. We are also taking part in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, which means everyone aged between 60 and 69 will be tested - helping to save many more lives in the future.

"As well as improving treatments for cancer we are making progress in helping people to stop smoking and reduce their risk of obesity, both which significantly reduce the risk of cancer: one of the biggest causes of poor life expectancy."

But despite the improvements made by health bosses, the district's cancer death toll remains slightly above the 2006 national average of 116 deaths per 100,000, and far above that of the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea, which boasted the nation's lowest figure at just 61 per 100,000.

The Department of Health said regional variations in cancer mortality rates did not allow for differences in the level of cancer incidence or the types of cancer diagnosed.

A spokesman said: "The largest single reason for inequalities in cancer mortality is the difference in smoking rates between the most and least affluent groups in society.

"The introduction of smokefree legislation earlier this year will have a significant impact on this in the future. The Cancer Reform Strategy, published earlier this month, announced that the Government will consult on further initiatives on tobacco control in Spring 2008."

Ministers say they are committed to reducing inequalities in cancer care.

The Cancer Reform Strategy reviews the progress made since the launch of the NHS Cancer Plan seven years ago, and sets out targets for the next five years.

Key elements include lifestyle factors, early diagnosis, treatment quality and health inequalities.