Improved cancer survival rates
Three in four people with cancer survive for the first year after being diagnosed, with rates of survival for some cancers even higher.
Published in April, NHS England’s one-year cancer survival index compares 2020 with 2005. The overall first-year survival rate has risen by 9% to 74.6%. The survival rate for breast cancer is around 97% and for bowel cancer it’s over 80%.
“These figures are highly encouraging and support those released earlier this year which show improved survival rates across almost all types of cancer,” said Health Minister Helen Whately. “They are evidence of great strides being made by the NHS, scientists and our incredible cancer charities.”
Earlier diagnosis
Diagnosing cancer at an early stage is key to the improvement of survival rates and is at the heart of NHS England’s cancer strategy. As a result of high-profile ad campaigns and awareness drives, many more people are being tested for cancer.
Almost 500,000 more patients were checked between March 2021 and October 2022, compared to the same period before the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost 550,000 more people were referred for cancer during this period, helping to reverse the drop in people being tested during the pandemic.
In 2021-22, over 100,000 patients were diagnosed with cancer at stages one or two, when it’s much easier to treat. That’s the highest proportion ever. Since July 2021, 94 community diagnostic centres have opened across England, delivering 3.3 million checks, tests and scans.
Nursing roles are vital in cancer care
Research shows that having good access to care from designated clinical nurse specialists could improve cancer patients’ chances of survival. A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2022 examined data from over 99,000 people diagnosed with colorectal, lung, breast or prostate cancer. Researchers concluded that there was strong evidence of the vital contribution that specialist nurses can make to cancer survival. As a result, they suggested that input and support from clinical nurse specialists should be available to all patients immediately after diagnosis.
Involvement of allied health professionals
With improved survival rates, many types of cancer are increasingly being seen as long-term conditions. This is resulting in more input in cancer care from allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and dietitians. They can provide personalised advice and support for patients to aid recovery and rehabilitation. They also provide a link with community, primary care, social care and other services. According to cancer support charity Macmillan, 30% of cancer patients have reported unmet needs after treatment for cancer which could benefit from rehabilitation services delivered by allied health professionals.
The National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS) aims to collect data on all cases of cancer that occur in people living in England. Find out more here.
