Findings Show England Is Struggling To Excel On An International Level

A new study by the Cancer Survival Group at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has revealed cancer survival rates in England lag behind many other major countries, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. 

Although the study showed that UK cancer survival rates are improving in England, the country still had the lowest survival figures out of all the six countries analysed. Australia and Sweden had the highest rates.

Lead author Dr Sarah Walters, from the Cancer Survival Group at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: "The way England's cancer survival has improved shows promise, but it's vital that more is done to ensure England closes this gap and that more people survive cancer for longer.

"The rapid improvements we've seen over the past 20 years have been driven by better investment, setting and measuring targets within the NHS, and developing new ways to diagnose and treat cancer. If we are to improve further it is vital we continue to work on these areas."

Expert Opinion

“The safety and care of patients should always be the priority for the NHS so it is concerning that England continues to lag behind other developed countries regarding cancer survival. <br/> <br/>“People who are diagnosed with cancer deserve to be able to access the best care and treatment, so efforts must continue to ensure that this is the case. <br/> <br/>“Through our work we sadly have seen numerous cases in which cancer patients have suffered complications as a result of failings in their treatment or care. Although England’s cancer survival rates have improved, there is still more to be done to ensure more people survive cancer.” Lisa Jordan - Partner