Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
02 May 2014 08:40
'Tipping point' achieved in cancer survival rates, say researchers (Photo: Rui Vieira/PA Wire)
The cancer survival rate has doubled over the past 40 years, new figures have revealed.
Half of people in England and Wales diagnosed today will survive at least a decade, said Cancer Research UK.
Improved screening, diagnosis and treatments have played their part in that progress, but the charity is now calling for more radical advances as it wants to see 10-year survival rates rise to 75% within the next 20 years.
As part of its effort to achieve that aim, it said it will increase what it invests in research by half within the next decade.
Those who need to take out cancer travel insurance for their holidays each year may be further encouraged by the researchers' comments that the latest figures represent a "tipping point" and cancer no longer needs to be seen as a "death sentence" as it was in the past.
While 24% of people diagnosed with cancer in 1971-2 survived for at least a decade, the analysis showed, that figure has risen to 50%.
The analysis is based on the outcomes for more than seven million patients and reveal there has been major progress in the treatment of cancer.
Nevertheless there remain major challenges especially for certain types of cancer, with just 1% of pancreatic cancer patients and 5% of lung cancer patients able to expect to survive for 10 years.
The researchers adjusted the latest results to account for the changing profile of new cancers being diagnosed, as a shift has taken place away from more deadly forms such as lung cancer and towards others with improved survival rates.
Cancer Research UK has singled out key areas for improvement if the 75% survival target is to be reached.
Those specific areas include investing in personalised cancer treatments, reducing smoking rates and working on the cancers with the lowest survival rates.
04 November 2019
As the nights draw in, we're turning our thoughts to the warmer climes of the Southern Hemisphere and treks in Patagonia that will put a spring in your step...
[more...]
Escape the UK's shorter autumn days and head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun and sporting fun.
21 October 2019
Struggling for holiday inspiration? Let us inspire you with our list of book-themed breaks.
Check out our top recommendations to make the most of your time in Frankfurt, on the River Maine.
30 October 2019
What quirky customs await you on your travels this Halloween?
Look past the petrifying and discover a side to the Romanian region you never knew...
14 October 2019
Bucharest is the jewel of the Balkans crown - explore the city to find a host of hidden gems.
At the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe lies a country with a story to tell. Check out these must-see sites in Croatia to learn more.
07 October 2019
With Halloween on the horizon we look for destinations across the globe with a decidedly mysterious appeal...
What should you eat in Croatia? Good question. Unrumble that tummy with our rundown of our favourite Croat cuisine.
Where's the best beach in Croatia? We answer that question and more as we look at the Adriatic beaches you won't want to miss out on...
02 October 2019
Enjoy National Pizza Month and grab a slice of history with the true story of everyone's favourite Italian flat-bread...