More people are living longer after cancer, new report shows

More and more people who develop cancer are going on to survive for many years, according to a new study from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Compiled in partnership with Public Health England's National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service, the report indicates that more than 170,000 people are now living with cancer in the UK who were originally diagnosed in the 1970s and 1980s.

It means people are currently twice as likely on average to survive at least a decade after being diagnosed with cancer than they were at the start of the 1970s, thanks to improvements in diagnostic techniques and more refined treatment options.

Nevertheless, it was also noted that many of those who survive with cancer do not have the best quality of life, with chronic fatigue, incontinence and sexual difficulties all highlighted as potential problems.

Indeed, Macmillan estimates that there could be around 42,500 people living with cancer who were diagnosed in the 1970s and 1980s who may still be dealing with problems linked to their cancer.

Jane Maher, chief medical officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "While [cancer] is not always life-ending, it is life-changing, and we need to ensure that people who have had the disease or who are living with it have a good quality of life and tailored, appropriate support."