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As many as 15,000 people over 75 could be dying prematurely from cancer each
year in the UK, according to research presented today at the National Cancer
Intelligience Network (NCIN) conference.
These premature deaths could be prevented if cancer mortality rates in the
UK dropped to match countries in Europe and America which have the lowest rates.
The researchers from the North West Cancer Intelligence Service (NWCIS) in
Manchester compared cancer death rates in the UK with Europe and America.
They found that over the past decade the numbers of people dying from cancer
in the under 75s has significantly dropped in the UK. But, little progress has
been made in the over 75s and the gap in death rates with other countries is
getting wider.
Dr Tony Moran, lead researcher from NWCIS, said:
"It's worrying that so many older people die from cancer in the
UK compared with other countries. But, it's not clear why this is. Research
is urgently needed to understand the reasons for the extra deaths so that
steps can be taken to prevent them.
Cancer is largely a disease of older people, with about half of all cancers
diagnosed in those aged 70 or older. Most 75 year olds could be expected to
live for at least another ten years and we would expect them to benefit from
improvements in treatment."
Chris Carrigan, head of the NCIN, said:
"This study indicates that a worrying number of older cancer patients
are dying unnecessarily and likely reasons include going to the doctor late,
delayed diagnosis and treatment. It's really important that people are aware
of cancer symptoms and feel able to go to the doctor if they notice anything
that feels wrong for them. We believe many deaths could be avoided each year
in the UK if cancers were diagnosed sooner."
Professor Mike Richards, national cancer director, said:
"This is an important study and urgent action needs to be taken
on the findings. We need to ensure that cancer patients of all ages are diagnosed
as early as possible and receive appropriate treatment.
The findings have already been shared with the National Cancer Equality
Initiative and we will be working with the NHS and other interested parties
to tackle any age inequalities."
Cancer Research UK
Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is
to beat cancer.
*
Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve
understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat
different kinds
of cancer.
* Cancer Research UK ensures that its findings are used to improve the lives
of all cancer patients.
* Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is
being made and the choices each person can make.
* Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest
impact in the global fight against cancer.
For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how
to support the charity, please call 020 7009 8820 or visit their website (link
at bottom of this page).
News is included on the IvyRose website to inform visitors about current health
issues, but not to endorse any particular view or activity. Any views expressed
in the article above are not necessarily those of IvyRose Ltd.. Material in
this news item was released by Cancer Research UK on 25
June 2009 and may have been edited (e.g. in style,
length, and/or for ease of understanding by our international readers) for inclusion
here. For further information, please visit their website.
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