Data shows that the rate of early-stage diagnoses is increasing, with more people than ever getting screened for cancer.
Number of British patients cancer a diagnosis early stage According to new data showing that the number of people receiving treatment is increasing, it is at the highest level in history. screening tests is also increasing.
58.7% of around 206,000 cancers diagnosed in England between September 2023 and August 2024 first or second stageaccording to the report National Health Service (NHSIt focuses on 13 common cancers, including breast, prostate and lung.
Compared to pre-pandemic levels, this 7,000 more patients whose cancer was diagnosed early It makes it easier to treat before it spreads to other parts of the body. “Lives are saved when cancers are caught early, and after huge efforts towards early detection in recent years, this is truly a significant breakthrough.” encouraging “We are now seeing more people being diagnosed at an earlier stage than ever before,” Cally Palmer, NHS England’s national cancer director, said in a statement.
Overall cancer survival rates are slightly lower in the UK than in the rest of Europe. In England, 47% of men survive for at least five years, while across Europe this rate is 50%. For women, this rate is 53% in England. 58% in all EuropeAccording to Cancer Research UK.
As part of the NHS plan to have 75% of cancers diagnosed at stage one or two by 2028, the NHS cancer screening campaigns Encouraging people to get tested before they develop symptoms, especially those at high risk due to genetic or lifestyle factors.
More chances of early diagnosis and higher survival rates in rich areas
However, it is noteworthy that an increasing rate Cancer cases in official records Lack of data regarding diagnostic stagesAccording to the UK-based think tank Nuffield Trust. In January 2023, 34% of cancers had no information on stage at diagnosis. people living in richer areas they have more likely to be diagnosed early There are cancer rates and survival is higher than in the most disadvantaged regions.
Even so, cancer screening tests like that generally increasing. More than three million people received it between November 2023 and October 2024 “urgent” cancer checksNew NHS data shows an annual increase of around 100,000 and more than 700,000 compared to the pre-pandemic period.
Beyond screening, the NHS also wants people to get a test. faster response about whether they have cancer or not. According to the Nuffield Trust, 77.3% of patients screened for cancer in March 2024 or referred urgently for testing by their GP were diagnosed or had cancer ruled out within 28 days. “With new treatments available all the time, we will continue to do everything we can to get people seen and treated for cancer as quickly as possible,” Palmer said.
