T4K3.news
Cancer survival progress slows in UK
A new long term study finds that the pace of improvement in cancer survival has slowed, with wide gaps between cancer types and calls for a national plan.
A long term analysis of cancer survival trends across England and Wales finds the rate of improvement is slowing and gaps between cancer types are widening.
Experts warn progress in cancer survival rates is slowing
A study led by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and funded by Cancer Research UK analysed cancer survival from 1971 to 2018 using national cancer registries. It found the 10 year cancer survival index for all cancers diagnosed in 2018 was 49.8 percent, a strong result but one that sits on a slowing trajectory compared with earlier decades.
The research highlights large differences by cancer type. Testicular cancer shows a 10 year survival rate near the top at 97 percent, while pancreatic cancer remains very challenging at about 4.3 percent. Screening programs have boosted survival for breast, bowel, and cervical cancers, but progress for stomach, lung, and brain cancers has been modest over five decades.
Key Takeaways
"Since I began my career in cancer research, I’ve seen substantial increases in survival for most types of cancer."
Coleman reflects on past gains and warns against letting progress stall.
"This study was only possible because of data on millions of patients from cancer registries in England and Wales."
Emphasizes the importance of data quality and access.
"The National Cancer Plan is a chance to improve NHS cancer pathways and reap the benefits of new research"
Calls for policy action to translate research into care.
"Progress is slowing and for some cancers it never got going in the first place"
A stark warning about uneven gains across cancers.
The slowdown in progress signals a system wide challenge, not just a gap in new treatments. It underscores the value of robust data and national planning to steer care. Data from millions of patients enabled this study, showing why ongoing investment in cancer registries is essential. A national cancer plan could turn research gains into faster diagnosis and better NHS pathways.
Policy makers face the task of balancing immediate care needs with long term investments in screening, early diagnosis, and new therapies. If the plan falters, progress may stall further and widen disparities across the cancer landscape.
Highlights
- Progress is slowing for many cancers
- Data from cancer registries fuels progress
- A national plan can turn research into better care
- Delays in diagnosis cost lives
Budget and political risks threaten cancer plan
The findings come at a time when funding and political will for a national cancer plan are still being debated. Delays in budget allocations or shifts in policy priorities could slow or derail efforts to reduce wait times, expand screening, and roll out lung cancer screening in England by 2029.
A clear plan could turn steady research gains into faster, fairer outcomes for patients.
Enjoyed this? Let your friends know!
Related News
Cancer survival improves as delays threaten progress
Cancer survival progress stalls after decades of gains
Hot drinks heighten esophageal cancer risk
Pancreatic cancer risk linked to heavy drinking
New studies explore sunlight benefits for health
New pancreatic cancer early warning sign discovered
Hope grows after stage four cancer treatment
Pancreatic cancer vaccine shows early promise
