Corby: report finds no evidence of higher cancer rates in children and young adults

On 29 October 2026 North Northamptonshire Council published the results of an expanded, independent analysis of registered cancer cases among children and young adults living in the Corby area. The authors found no clear evidence that rates in this group are higher or lower than expected.

What the analysis covered

The study was commissioned after local residents asked for further investigation into cancer rates in Corby. Analysts focused on people living within 5km of Deene Quarry, a former quarry.

Rates in this area were compared with four benchmarks: the rest of Corby, the county of Northamptonshire, the East Midlands and England as a whole. Two different measures were used. The data were gathered for small statistical units, known as Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOAs), within the set distance of the former quarry site.

What the results showed

According to the report, none of the findings reached statistical significance. In practice this means there is no clear evidence that the proportion of children and young adults with cancer in this area is higher or lower than expected. The council sums up that cancer rates in the study area do not clearly differ from those elsewhere.

The BBC News summary of the story refers to a report on cancer among children and young adults in Corby, a town the media describe as "toxic". The council has also published other analyses of childhood cancers in Corby.

What this means for you

The news mainly concerns residents of Corby and the surrounding area, where many Poles live. The report does not point to an increased risk of cancer among children and young adults in the area studied. Parents who are worried about their child's health should, as always, contact their GP. The full report and earlier analyses are available on the North Northamptonshire Council website.