Research shows that chances of surviving the disease vary across Britain
Large disparities in cancer survival rates are still persistent in England, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The five year survival rate for cancers of the colon and bladder, prostate, stomach and cervix varies geographically by 10%.
For both men and women, it was found that the range in one year survival rates varied by more than 10% across the country for cancers of the oesophagus and stomach.
Women’s one year and five year overall survival rate for breast cancer marginally increased in 20 of the areas examined, however five regions still showed no improvement over the four year period.
Eight forms of cancer were examined in the ONS report, including cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, colon, lung, breast, cervix, prostate and bladder, among the 25 geographic areas of the NHS.
The data was collected between 2005 and 2009 and all patients reviewed within the report had their cases followed up until December 2014.
Corrina Mottram, a clinical negligence solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “While there has been some progress in cancer survival rates, this data reveals concerning geographical disparities that have largely failed to improve in recent years.
“Early diagnosis is key to a patient’s chance of survival, yet the government is failing to properly resource an overstretched and understaffed NHS.
“The UK has the worst cancer survival rates in Western Europe, and only through proper government funding can we expect to see an improvement in survival rates across England and the UK.”
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