Late diagnosis in cancer patients could be influenced by where they live
- Oct 29, 2015
- EmmaArnold
Cancer Research UK has found a correlation between where cancer patients live and late diagnosis.
The organisation found an 'unacceptable variation' between different areas in the UK after reviewing cases in 2012 and 2013.
It said how, across the country, 20,000 cases could have been spotted sooner and the worst for late diagnosis was Merseyside, closely followed by Greater Manchester.
Using official data from Public Health England, Cancer Research UK said it was unclear exactly why the variation was found.
It believes how an early diagnosis can make a significant difference to a patient's survival. See the new campaign below.
If one of the eight most common cancers are diagnosed at stage one or two (classed as early diagnosis), the patient has an 80% chance of surviving 10 years.
However, when the cancer is found at stage three or four, these chances drop to just 25%.
Hannah Bottomley, solicitor in the clinical negligence department, said:
I have previously commented on reports which indicate that lives could be saved if all areas of the UK had a single approach to diagnosis and treatment of cancer and that approach met the high standard seen in some areas. The recent study by Cancer Research UK however shows that Greater Manchester is unfortunately one of the worst areas in the country in respect of late diagnosis.
It is a recognised fact that earlier diagnosis leads to improved rates of survival but on a more basic level, earlier diagnosis can also result in less invasive treatments and shorter recovery times which in turn should, in theory, be more cost and time effective for the health authority.
In respect of Greater Manchester then, whilst our area performs slightly better than Merseyside, the implication is clear: if the same rates are achieved as the best performing areas almost 1,000 people could have their cancer diagnosed earlier and the potential for increased survival rates, less invasive treatments and a shorter recovery time would all be possible.