Cancer Research UK analysis shows that about 247 in every 100,000 people die from cancer each year in the UK, a 29% drop from the peak in 1989 of about 355 per 100,000. In the past decade alone, the rate of people dying from cancer in the UK has fallen by 11%. Despite this progress, cancer remains Britain's biggest killer, causing about one in four deaths.
UK cancer survival rates lag behind a number of European countries, including Romania and Poland. A growing and ageing population means more people are being diagnosed with cancer, though how this affects overall mortality trends remains unclear. Various factors have led to falling cancer death rates, including smoking bans and the rollout of screening programmes for breast, bowel and cervical cancers.
Death rates for cervical cancer have fallen by 75% since the 1970s, largely because of the NHS cervical screening programme. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, given to schoolchildren, is driving down cervical cancers. 5 million people have had the HPV vaccine in the UK since it was introduced in 2008.
Specific cancer types show varied trends over the past decade. The death rate for ovarian cancer dropped by 19% between 2012-2014 and 2022-2024. The death rate for stomach cancer fell by 34% between 2012-2014 and 2022-2024.
These figures represent decades of crucial scientific breakthroughs. From vaccines that prevent cancer to kinder, more targeted treatments. Because of this, thousands more people today can make memories, reach milestones and spend precious time with their loved ones.
The death rate for lung cancer fell by 22% between 2012-2014 and 2022-2024. The death rate for bowel cancer dipped 6% between 2012-2014 and 2022-2024. The death rate for breast cancer fell by 14% between 2012-2014 and 2022-2024.
The death rate for cervical cancer fell by 11% between 2012-2014 and 2022-2024. The death rate for leukaemia fell by 9% between 2012-2014 and 2022-2024. The death rate for oesophageal cancer fell by 12% between 2012-2014 and 2022-2024.
Death rates for prostate cancer decreased by 11% in the past decade, in part because of better treatments. Abiraterone, a drug that blocks testosterone from fuelling prostate cancer, was developed by Cancer Research UK scientists. However, some cancer types have seen increases.
The death rate for kidney cancer increased by 5% in the last decade. The death rate for liver cancer increased by 14% in the last decade. The death rate for eye cancer increased by 26% in the last decade.
It's essential that the government makes it easier and faster to set up clinical trials, as well as providing NHS staff with the time and space to carry out life-saving research.
The death rate for gallbladder cancer increased by 29% in the last decade. Death rates for thyroid, pancreatic and melanoma cancers remained stable in the last decade. Dr Sam Godfrey, science engagement lead at Cancer Research UK, highlighted the progress, stating: 'These figures represent decades of crucial scientific breakthroughs.
From vaccines that prevent cancer to kinder, more targeted treatments. ' Challenges persist in the research landscape. A Guardian investigation alleges that British cancer patients were denied life-saving drugs and trials of revolutionary treatments were derailed by red tape and extra costs brought on by Brexit.
What specific life-saving drugs have been denied to British cancer patients due to Brexit-related issues remains unspecified. A comprehensive report states that the UK's exit from the EU damaged the practical ability of doctors to offer NHS patients life-saving new drugs via international clinical trials. How many clinical trials have been derailed or delayed by red tape and extra costs from Brexit is not detailed.
What government actions are being proposed or implemented to address the challenges in clinical trials and research has not been outlined in the available information.