Cancer patient participation in clinical trials rises

The proportion of diagnosed cancer patients in the UK who are taking part in clinical trials has seen a significant increase in the last ten years, according to new figures.

National Cancer Research Network data presented at the National Cancer Research Institute Cancer Conference shows that one in six sufferers of the disease now participate in medical studies via their local hospitals.

It represents a four-fold increase on the figure of one in 26 seen a decade ago and underscores the UK's position as a global leader in cancer drug trial access, significantly ahead of the US and the rest of Europe.

Professor David Cameron, lead author on the study defining the figures, said the improvements will make it easier for advances in cancer treatment to be made in the UK.

He added: "These figures demonstrate the huge enthusiasm and willingness of British people to participate in research that could potentially lead to life-saving new treatments in the future."

Last month, the government revealed in its Spending Review that it will be establishing a new 200 million pound annual fund to facilitate access to cancer medication.