In 2006 there were 320 deaths in Tower Hamlets residents due to cancer, 180 of whom were aged less than 75.

Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in Tower Hamlets (lung cancer is the most common).
 
The mortality rate for breast cancer in Tower Hamlets is lower than the national average, despite this women eligible for breast cancer screening is amongst the lowest rates nationally.

Research shows that Tower Hamlets residents with cancer have some of the poorest survial rates in England.