Lilly study shows pessimism about UK cancer outcomes

Lilly has unveiled results from a new survey showing the lack of confidence in cancer treatment outcomes among many people across the UK.

Data from Lilly's Patient Access to Cancer Care Excellence report showed that although 73 percent of Britons are satisfied with recent progress in the fight against cancer, 42 percent still view a diagnosis of cancer as a death sentence.

This was double the percentage reported by US survey respondents, revealing lower expectations of cancer treatment in the UK, with 70 percent believing current challenges facing the British economy are stifling cancer research.

Lilly's poll also revealed that 74 percent of Britons believe it takes too long for new cancer medicines to reach patients.

Andrew Wilson of the Rarer Cancers Foundation said: "Research such as this highlights why improving cancer management should continue to be an area of government focus."

Earlier this month, the company reported positive phase III clinical trial data showing that its drug necitumumab could be effective in the treatment of stage IV metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer.