Latest news with #MichelleMitchell
The Independent
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Cancer deaths drop by a fifth in 50 years – but cases are on the rise
Cancer death rates in the UK have seen a significant decline of over 20 per cent since the early 1970s, a new analysis reveals. According to a report by Cancer Research UK, while cancer diagnoses are on the rise, the likelihood of dying from the disease has decreased. The cancer death rate has fallen by approximately 22 per cent since 1973, dropping from 328 per 100,000 people to around 252 per 100,000 in 2023. This improvement is largely due to advancements in diagnosis and treatment, along with successful efforts to reduce smoking rates. However, the report also indicates that cancer diagnoses have increased by almost half (47 per cent) across Great Britain during the same period. The rate has risen from approximately 413 cases per 100,000 people to around 607 cases per 100,000 people. The study noted that "survival for all cancers combined in England and Wales has doubled since the early 1970s, but progress has slowed over the last 10 years and remains lower than other comparable countries," also stating that "survival increased three to five times faster in previous decades, compared with the improvement since 2010." Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, said the findings show 'it is a time of both optimism and realism,' adding that it is also 'a golden age for cancer research.' The group's report cautions that, despite improvements in overall survival rates, the number of people being diagnosed with cancer has significantly increased compared to 50 years ago. Researchers identified smoking as the leading preventable cause of cancer, with obesity linked to 13 different types of the disease. Other risks include not using sunscreen or failing to cover up in the sun, sunbeds, alcohol, lack of exercise and diets high in processed meat. The report pointed out that around half of all new cancer diagnoses are in people aged 70 and over, but incidence rates are currently rising fastest in younger people. It said: 'In the UK, cancer incidence rates have increased by 23 per cent in people aged 20 to 49 since the early 1990s. 'However, population growth is concentrated in older age groups, so in terms of patient numbers, the biggest increase in cancer cases has been in older people.' The study also found that, on average, just over half of cancers are diagnosed at an early stage in England (54 per cent), and this proportion has not changed for almost a decade. Ms Mitchell said: 'It's fantastic to see that thanks to research, cancer death rates have drastically reduced over the last 50 years, and survival has doubled. 'However, there's more that can be done. This report highlights that over 460 people die from cancer every single day in the UK, and too many cases are diagnosed at a late stage. 'If we want to change that, we need bold action from the UK Government. 'The upcoming National Cancer Plan for England must improve cancer survival, and transform cancer services. 'If this plan is done right, it could save countless lives across England and ensure people affected by cancer live longer, better lives.' Cancer Research UK is calling for commitments such as the national rollout of a targeted lung cancer screening programme, quicker access to diagnostic tests for all patients, better access to GPs for speedy diagnosis and action to improve cancer waiting times. Its new study is the first ever to include 50 years of cancer death and incidence data for the UK. Elsewhere, MPs and members of the House of Lords have urged the Government to prioritise faster diagnosis of less survivable cancers, which are those that develop in the brain, pancreas, liver, lung, oesophagus and stomach. A new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Less Survivable Cancers claims these cancers claim 67,000 lives a year, around 42 per cent of cancer deaths. Doubling diagnoses rates in these areas could save an additional 7,500 lives a year, it said. Paulette Hamilton, chairwoman of the APPG on Less Survivable Cancers, said this is a 'crucial moment for transforming patient outcomes and accelerating survival rates for the less survivable cancers'. 'We're on the brink of research breakthroughs and in the midst of developing potentially game-changing Government health reforms,' she added. 'In this backdrop, achieving faster diagnosis for these devastating cancers is finally within reach.' Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: 'The NHS is seeing and treating record numbers of people for cancer, with more people diagnosed at an earlier stage than ever before, and survival rates in England at an all-time high. 'We have developed world-leading programmes, including lung cancer screening in convenient locations such as car parks and using AI to spot skin cancer, making it easier than ever before to get checked. 'The latest data shows that more than three quarters of people received the all-clear or a definitive cancer diagnosis within four weeks of an NHS urgent cancer referral.'
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
Brits more likely to develop cancer but less likely to die: report
Cancer death rates in the UK have fallen by 22 per cent since the early 1970s, but cancer diagnoses have increased by 47 per cent in Great Britain during the same period, according to Cancer Research UK. The decline in cancer deaths is attributed to advancements in diagnosis and treatment, as well as initiatives to reduce smoking. Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK 's chief executive, described the findings as a time of 'optimism and realism,' highlighting that it is also 'a golden age for cancer research'. Smoking is identified as the leading preventable cause of cancer, with obesity linked to 13 different types of the disease. MPs and members of the House of Lords are urging the Government to prioritise faster diagnosis of less survivable cancers, which account for approximately 42 per cent of cancer deaths.
Medscape
a day ago
- Business
- Medscape
UK Cancer Deaths Drop 22% in 50 Years Despite Rising Cases
Cancer death rates in the UK have fallen by 22% over the past 50 years. However, diagnoses have risen by almost half, according to a new analysis by Cancer Research UK (CRUK). The Cancer in the UK Report 2025 provides the first 50 years of UK-wide data on cancer mortality and cases. Death rates fell from around 328 per 100,000 people in 1973 to around 252 per 100,000 in 2023. CRUK described the findings as 'profound'. The charity said improvements in diagnosis, treatment, and smoking reduction had helped drive the decline. People today are twice as likely to survive their disease for at least 10 years compared to 50 years ago. Survival rates improved from one in four people in the early 1970s to one in two today. Rising Incidence Despite Progress Cancer incidence rates increased sharply by 47% during the same period. Cases rose from around 413 to 607 per 100,000 people. However, the charity noted that because of the UK's growing and ageing population, actual numbers continue to rise. Nearly 1100 new cases are diagnosed daily, with more than 460 deaths each day. This occurs despite significant progress in prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment. CRUK called on the government to ensure that its upcoming National Cancer Plan for England is 'ambitious and fully funded'. Early Diagnosis Rates Stagnant Research into improving screening programmes, tests, and drugs helped reduce death rates. Policy action on smoking reduced rates for cancers with poor survival outcomes. Lung cancer mortality rates decreased from 80.9 per 100,000 people in 1971-1973 to 49.8 in 2021-2023. Bowel cancer rates fell from 48.0 to 26.3, whilst breast cancer dropped from 30.7 to 16.9. However, pancreatic cancer rates remained stable at around 15 per 100,000 people. Some cancers showed increases, including prostate cancer from 13.3 to 18.3 and oesophageal cancer from 9.2 to 12.0. Just over half of cancers (54%) were diagnosed at an early stage in England, the report found. This proportion has not changed for almost a decade. Around half of all new cancer diagnoses occur in people aged 70 and over. However, incidence rates are rising fastest in younger people, with a 23% increase in people aged 20 to 49 since the early 1990s. Screening Programmes Save Lives Three cancer screening programmes save around 5000 lives every year across the UK, according to CRUK. Smoking remains the biggest cause of cancer in the UK. It accounts for around a fifth of all cancer deaths each year. Around one in 20 UK cancer deaths are now linked to being overweight or obese. Michelle Mitchell, CRUK's chief executive, welcomed the reduced death rates and doubled survival rates. However, she stressed that too many cases are diagnosed at a late stage. "If we want to change that, we need bold action from the UK government," Mitchell said. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, highlighted recent innovations. These include lung cancer screening in car parks and AI technology to spot skin cancer. Mitchell urged that the upcoming National Cancer Plan for England must improve survival and transform services. She said the plan "could save countless lives across England and ensure people affected by cancer live longer, better lives". CRUK has also published devolved nation summaries of its findings for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Epoch Times
a day ago
- Business
- Epoch Times
Cancer Death Rates Down More Than 20 Percent in Last 50 Years but Cases Rising: Report
Cancer death rates have fallen by more than a fifth in the last 50 years but cases are rising, according to a new analysis. A report from Cancer Research UK found people are now more likely to get cancer than decades ago, but are less likely to die from the disease. Figures show that the rate of people dying from cancer in the UK has fallen by around 22 percent since the early 1970s, but the rate of people being diagnosed with the disease has risen by almost half. In 1973, some 328 per 100,000 people died from cancer, dropping to around 252 per 100,000 in 2023, driven by improvements in areas such as diagnosis and better treatment, as well as action to cut smoking. The study said: 'Survival for all cancers combined in England and Wales has doubled since the early 1970s, but progress has slowed over the last 10 years and remains lower than other comparable countries. 'Survival increased three to five times faster in previous decades, compared with the improvement since 2010.' Related Stories 5/30/2025 5/24/2025 Cancer Research UK warned that, despite improvement in overall survival, many more people are being diagnosed with cancer compared with 50 years ago. Incidence rates have risen sharply by almost half (47 percent) across Great Britain over this period, from around 413 cases per 100,000 people to around 607 cases per 100,000 people. The report listed the preventable causes of cancer, saying smoking remains the biggest cause of cancer, while obesity is linked to 13 different types of the disease. Other risks include not using sunscreen or failing to cover up in the sun, sunbeds, alcohol, lack of exercise, and diets high in processed meat. A general view of staff on a NHS hospital ward at Ealing Hospital in London, on Jan. 18, 2023. Jeff Moore/PA Media The report pointed out that around half of all new cancer diagnoses are in people aged 70 and over, but incidence rates are currently rising fastest in younger people. It said: 'In the UK, cancer incidence rates have increased by 23% in people aged 20 to 49 since the early 1990s. 'However, population growth is concentrated in older age groups, so in terms of patient numbers, the biggest increase in cancer cases has been in older people.' The study also found that, on average, just over half of cancers are diagnosed at an early stage in England (54 percent), and this proportion has not changed for almost a decade. Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, said: 'It's fantastic to see that thanks to research, cancer death rates have drastically reduced over the last 50 years, and survival has doubled. 'However, there's more that can be done. This report highlights that over 460 people die from cancer every single day in the UK, and too many cases are diagnosed at a late stage. 'If we want to change that, we need bold action from the UK government. 'The upcoming National Cancer Plan for England must improve cancer survival, and transform cancer services. 'If this plan is done right, it could save countless lives across England and ensure people affected by cancer live longer, better lives.' Cancer Research UK is calling for commitments such as the national rollout of a targeted lung cancer screening programme, quicker access to diagnostic tests for all patients, better access to GPs for speedy diagnosis, and action to improve cancer waiting times. Its new study is the first ever to include 50 years of cancer death and incidence data for the UK. Elsewhere, MPs and members of the House of Lords have urged the government to prioritise faster diagnosis of less survivable cancers, which are those that develop in the brain, pancreas, liver, lung, oesophagus, and stomach. A new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Less Survivable Cancers claims these cancers claim 67,000 lives a year, around 42 percent of cancer deaths. Doubling diagnoses rates in these areas could save an additional 7,500 lives a year, it said. Paulette Hamilton, chairwoman of the APPG on Less Survivable Cancers, said this is a 'crucial moment for transforming patient outcomes and accelerating survival rates for the less survivable cancers.' 'We're on the brink of research breakthroughs and in the midst of developing potentially game-changing government health reforms,' she added. 'In this backdrop, achieving faster diagnosis for these devastating cancers is finally within reach.' Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: 'The NHS is seeing and treating record numbers of people for cancer, with more people diagnosed at an earlier stage than ever before, and survival rates in England at an all-time high. 'We have developed world-leading programmes, including lung cancer screening in convenient locations such as car parks and using AI to spot skin cancer, making it easier than ever before to get checked. 'The latest data shows that more than three quarters of people received the all-clear or a definitive cancer diagnosis within four weeks of an NHS urgent cancer referral.'
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
Cancer research in ‘golden age' as death rates drop – but cases are on the rise
A new analysis has revealed that cancer death rates in the UK have fallen by more than a fifth since the early 1970s, however diagnoses are also on the rise. A report by Cancer Research UK indicates that although individuals are more likely to develop cancer compared to previous decades, they are less likely to die from it. The data shows that the cancer death rate has decreased by approximately 22 per cent since the early 1970s, falling from 328 per 100,000 people in 1973 to around 252 per 100,000 in 2023. This decline is attributed to advancements in diagnosis and treatment, as well as initiatives to reduce smoking. However, the rate of cancer diagnoses has increased by almost half (47 per cent) across Great Britain during the same period, rising from approximately 413 cases per 100,000 people to around 607 cases per 100,000 people. The study noted that "survival for all cancers combined in England and Wales has doubled since the early 1970s, but progress has slowed over the last 10 years and remains lower than other comparable countries," also stating that "survival increased three to five times faster in previous decades, compared with the improvement since 2010." Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, said the findings show 'it is a time of both optimism and realism,' adding that it is also 'a golden age for cancer research.' The group's report cautions that, despite improvements in overall survival rates, the number of people being diagnosed with cancer has significantly increased compared to 50 years ago. Researchers identified smoking as the leading preventable cause of cancer, with obesity linked to 13 different types of the disease. Other risks include not using sunscreen or failing to cover up in the sun, sunbeds, alcohol, lack of exercise and diets high in processed meat. The report pointed out that around half of all new cancer diagnoses are in people aged 70 and over, but incidence rates are currently rising fastest in younger people. It said: 'In the UK, cancer incidence rates have increased by 23 per cent in people aged 20 to 49 since the early 1990s. 'However, population growth is concentrated in older age groups, so in terms of patient numbers, the biggest increase in cancer cases has been in older people.' The study also found that, on average, just over half of cancers are diagnosed at an early stage in England (54 per cent), and this proportion has not changed for almost a decade. Ms Mitchell said: 'It's fantastic to see that thanks to research, cancer death rates have drastically reduced over the last 50 years, and survival has doubled. 'However, there's more that can be done. This report highlights that over 460 people die from cancer every single day in the UK, and too many cases are diagnosed at a late stage. 'If we want to change that, we need bold action from the UK Government. 'The upcoming National Cancer Plan for England must improve cancer survival, and transform cancer services. 'If this plan is done right, it could save countless lives across England and ensure people affected by cancer live longer, better lives.' Cancer Research UK is calling for commitments such as the national rollout of a targeted lung cancer screening programme, quicker access to diagnostic tests for all patients, better access to GPs for speedy diagnosis and action to improve cancer waiting times. Its new study is the first ever to include 50 years of cancer death and incidence data for the UK. Elsewhere, MPs and members of the House of Lords have urged the Government to prioritise faster diagnosis of less survivable cancers, which are those that develop in the brain, pancreas, liver, lung, oesophagus and stomach. A new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Less Survivable Cancers claims these cancers claim 67,000 lives a year, around 42 per cent of cancer deaths. Doubling diagnoses rates in these areas could save an additional 7,500 lives a year, it said. Paulette Hamilton, chairwoman of the APPG on Less Survivable Cancers, said this is a 'crucial moment for transforming patient outcomes and accelerating survival rates for the less survivable cancers'. 'We're on the brink of research breakthroughs and in the midst of developing potentially game-changing Government health reforms,' she added. 'In this backdrop, achieving faster diagnosis for these devastating cancers is finally within reach.' Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: 'The NHS is seeing and treating record numbers of people for cancer, with more people diagnosed at an earlier stage than ever before, and survival rates in England at an all-time high. 'We have developed world-leading programmes, including lung cancer screening in convenient locations such as car parks and using AI to spot skin cancer, making it easier than ever before to get checked. 'The latest data shows that more than three quarters of people received the all-clear or a definitive cancer diagnosis within four weeks of an NHS urgent cancer referral.'
