Mortality rates for top four cancers decline in UK

A new report has highlighted a drop in death rates for breast, bowel, lung and prostate cancer by almost one-third in the last two decades.

The Cancer Research UK study revealed that these four diseases – which are the four most deadly cancer types in the country – have all seen considerable improvements in survival rates since 20 years ago.

Improvements in breast cancer mortality rates were attributed to improved detection, with the bowel and prostate cancer progress credited to the availability of better specialist care and treatment options. Meanwhile, reductions in smoking habits helped to minimise the impact of lung cancer.

However, the report also revealed that deaths from liver, pancreatic, melanoma, oral and some digestive cancers have all increased in the same timeframe.

Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, said: "While the death rate for the four biggest cancer killers falls, it's vital to remember that more needs to be done to help bring even better results over the coming years."

The charity continues to spearhead research into new ways of fighting more than 200 types of cancer.