Research drives down cancer deaths

Research has reduced the number of UK cancer deaths by more than 20 per cent.

Statistics from Cancer Research UK show there has been a 22 per cent fall in fatalities as a result of the disease over the past 20 years.

In 1990, 220 of every 100,000 people died as a result of cancer. By 2011 this figure had fallen to 170.

The organisation said research has been the "key factor" behind these impressive statistics. 

It stated better knowledge regarding cancer prevention, radiotherapy, surgical techniques and drug treatments have all improved patients' chances of survival. 

Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK chief executive, said: "Today cancer is not the death sentence people once believed it to be … The fruits of research are producing more effective treatments with fewer side effects."

However, he stressed the need for more funding to ensure research can drive cancer death rates down further in the future.