20,000 people ‘robbed’ of better chance of survival after late cancer diagnosis

A diagnosis lottery means cancer patients in some parts of the country have a much better chance of surviving than others, according to a new report. Cancer Research UK experts say tens of thousands of people are being robbed of better odds through late diagnosis. A breakdown of the figures showed almost a quarter of breast cancer patients in London - roughly 1,000 women - were diagnosed late compared with just 10% in Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. Meanwhile, if all areas performed as well as the South West region, some  20,000 more patients a better chance of survival, according to the report.

It’s not easy to make sure that all cancer patients are diagnosed as early as possible, but it’s vitally important.

Sara Hiom, director of early diagnosis at Cancer Research UK

Experts compared rates of early or late diagnosis across 25 districts of England. The charity found significant variations depending on the type of disease and where people lived. Merseyside is one of the worst performing regions, with almost half (49%) of patients being diagnosed at cancer stages three and four. This compared with 40% being diagnosed late in the South West, which was the best performing region.

These figures show much more needs to be done to give patients the best chance of surviving their disease in all areas of the country.

Cancer Research UK chief executive Harpal Kumar

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