Cancer survival rates have improved significantly over the past 50 years, but experts warn that progress has been uneven, with some cancers experiencing little or no improvement in survival rates.
The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine conducted a study which found that while overall cancer survival rates are still improving, progress has slowed down since the 2010s. The main reasons for this slowing progress include longer waiting times for diagnosis and treatment.
Experts point to cancers such as oesophagus, stomach, and lung cancers, which have low 10-year survival rates below 20%. In contrast, melanoma skin cancer has seen a significant improvement in survival rates, with over 90% of patients surviving for 10 years.
Researchers attribute the improvements in survival rates to advances in treatment and earlier detection. The introduction of targeted therapies and breast screening programmes are examples of these advancements.
The government has announced plans to make more progress with a new strategy, which will focus on cutting waiting times, early detection, investment in research, and addressing the variation between different cancer types.
Cancer charities and researchers are calling for increased support and investment in research, particularly targeting the most deadly cancers. The charity Cancer Research UK wants the government’s strategy to include the full introduction of a lung cancer screening programme and investments in targeted research.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ypkrzyxd1o