Cancer deaths are projected to rise by a sixth across Labour’s first term compared with the last five years, a charity has warned.
Analysis by Cancer Research UK suggests that there will be about 912,000 deaths from all cancers in the UK between now and 2029 – a rise of 17 per cent.
Experts also project new diagnoses will jump by more than a fifth over the same period – around 2.2million in total. They urged the Government to develop a long-term strategy for the disease, with a focus on funding research, early diagnosis and prevention.
Michelle Mitchell, of Cancer Research UK, said: ‘These numbers highlight the devastating impact cancer continues to have on patients across the UK. Behind each worrying statistic is someone who could lose precious moments with the friends, family and loved ones they leave behind.
Ms Mitchell called for ‘bold action’ to help people live longer, healthier lives. ‘Decades of research have meant that cancer survival has doubled in the past 50 years, but this progress is slowing,’ she added.
‘The Government must ensure they deliver on their commitments to tackle cancer and make the UK a world leader in research and care.
Michelle Mitchell (pictured), of Cancer Research UK, called for ‘bold action’ to help people live longer, healthier lives. ‘Decades of research have meant that cancer survival has doubled in the past 50 years, but this progress is slowing,’ she added
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Experts project new diagnoses will jump by more than a fifth over the same period – around 2.2million in total. They have urged the Government to develop a long-term strategy for the disease
A patient about to undergo a CT scan. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: ‘We have inherited a broken NHS. Too many cancer patients are waiting too long for treatment, and we are determined to change that (stock image)
A doctor showing a patient the male reproductive system. Peter Tomlinson, 81, from Worcestershire, said he worries the NHS is not ‘geared up’ to deal with cancer following his experience after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009 after his wife Ali, who was herself a doctor, urged medics to perform a biopsy (stock image)
‘There are no quick fixes or easy solutions – bold action is needed to help people live longer, better lives.
‘The Government should develop a long-term strategy for cancer which funds research and innovation, prevents and diagnoses cancers earlier, and addresses strains on the NHS.’
Peter Tomlinson, 81, from Worcestershire, said he worries the NHS is not ‘geared up’ to deal with cancer following his experience.
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009 after his wife Ali, who was herself a doctor, urged medics to perform a biopsy. After having hormone therapy and radiotherapy, Mr Tomlinson said he came out ‘relatively unscathed’ – but stressed this was down to Ali.
Sadly, his wife was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013. Despite surgery and medication, she died aged 72 in the autumn of 2020.
‘My cancer was caught early – not by my GP, not by a consultant, but by my wife,’ said Mr Tomlinson.
‘GPs are under such pressure and I know that symptoms of early cancer can be difficult to spot, but then you’ve got the waiting time before the test. Then you’ve got to wait for the results of the test.’
He added: ‘The Government needs to understand the emotional impact of cancer on the patient.’
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: ‘We have inherited a broken NHS. Too many cancer patients are waiting too long for treatment, and we are determined to change that.
‘We will improve cancer survival rates by hitting all cancer waiting time targets within five years, and double the number of MRI and CT scanners so no patient waits longer than they should.’
