The BBC has reported national statistics from Public Health England for the period 2012- 2016, which indicate that adults who are diagnosed with stage 1 cancers (skin, prostate or breast) have the same chance of survival a year later, as the general population.
Sarah Caul, the head of cancer analysis from the Office for National Statistics, said the statistics and research “stress the need for awareness and early diagnosis”.
Ruth Thorlby, assistant director of policy at the independent health charity, Health Foundation said there is a need for “capital investment for additional diagnostic equipment, such as MRI and CT scanners, significant increases in the cancer workforce to diagnose, treat and support cancer patients, and help for staff to improve complex services and get the most out of new advances in cancer care”.
Breast cancer is considered to be the most common type of cancer in women; statistics indicate that 90% of women will survive for a year if diagnosed at an early stage. The figures drop to 66% if diagnosed at stage 4. Prostate cancer statistics indicate a 100% survival rate if diagnosed at stages 1-3, with figures dropping to 87% if diagnosed at stage 4. Other types of cancer such as skin cancer (melanoma), diagnosed at 1-4 has the highest one year survival rate of 97.4% for men and 98,6% for women. By contrast, pancreatic cancer has the lowest one year survival rate at 23.7% and 25.3%.
The findings indicate that cancer survival in England has improved since 2006, however, the figures are still lower than other countries in Europe. The statistics stress the importance of an early diagnosis of cancer. The figures indicate that the earlier the diagnosis, the higher chance of survival. Moosa-Duke Solicitors are specialists in clinical negligence, and have experience in advising when there have been delays in diagnosing cancer. If you or a family member have concerns that you may have been a victim of negligence, due to private or NHS treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0116 254 7456.