UK cancer survival rates ‘are improving’

Cancer patients in the UK are demonstrating better survival rates than was the case a decade ago, according to new figures.

A new Office for National Statistics report has shown that death rates for cancer have declined by 12 per cent among females since 1999, while the reduction among men stands at 15 per cent.

Moreover, the trend has become more prevalent in recent years, with survival rates for most of the 21 common cancers increasing between 2003 and 2007 compared with the period 2001 to 2006 among both genders.

Jessica Harris, health information officer for Cancer Research UK, stated that improving healthcare standards have played a part in this, citing the availability of better drugs and therapy options.

She also stated that lifestyle improvements among UK residents can play a key role in bringing the numbers down further.

“While the incidents rate may be going up, death rates can also be going down if more people are surviving,” added Ms Harris.