Data released by the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce today show that more than half (58%) of people in England diagnosed with a cancer of the lung, liver, brain, oesophagus, pancreas or stomach will die from their disease within one year.
The new analysis of existing cancer registry data shows that the average one-year survival for a patient diagnosed with a less survivable cancer in England is just 42%. This contrasts sharply with the overall one-year survival rate for all cancers, which is over 70%.
Over 90,000 people are diagnosed with one of the less survivable cancers in the UK every year and they account for nearly half of all common cancer deaths. These cancers are overwhelmingly diagnosed at later stages compared to other cancers. Only 28% of patients are diagnosed at stage 1 or 2, compared to 54% for all cancers. This late-stage diagnosis limits the potential for treatments that could significantly improve survival rates.
Despite their prevalence, the less survivable cancers receive a fraction (16.6%) of research funding of more survivable cancers.
Formed by charities supporting patients, the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce is calling for government-level commitments to prioritise early detection, research funding and the development of new treatment options for these cancers with the aim of reducing the stark inequalities in prognosis.
Anna Jewell, Chair of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce, said:
“The reality that more than half of people diagnosed with a less survivable cancer will not survive beyond a year is simply unacceptable. It is essential that all UK governments take immediate steps to develop and implement national action plans dedicated to less survivable cancers to improve the outcomes for patients with these devastating diseases.
“We can change the narrative and improve one year survival by setting specific targets, prioritising early diagnosis and improving treatment pathways to give every patient a fighting chance.”
Cheryle Brandon (52 from Surrey) was diagnosed with stage 4 oesophageal cancer in December 2022. She said:
“My symptoms started with reflux and indigestion and my doctor gave me medicine to reduce the amount of acid in my stomach. At first, I felt better, but around six months later I started to get chest pain, it became difficult to swallow and I started choking when I ate.
“Further tests revealed I had oesophageal cancer which they thought had also spread to my lungs, liver, voice box and lymph nodes. My tumour was inoperable (because it was too close to my heart), but remarkably, after gruelling courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, I was declared cancer free. Now I’m taking a day at a time and helping to raise awareness of this extremely aggressive disease.”
Paulette Hamilton MP, who is this week starting a new All Party Parliamentary Group on the Less Survivable Cancers, said:
“The less survivable cancers have been neglected for far too long and it’s time to ensure that they receive the attention they deserve. By launching the All Party Parliamentary Group on Less Survivable Cancers, we are taking a vital step towards improving outcomes and fostering hope for thousands of patients and their families.”
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Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Week runs from 13-20 January 2025
Campaign Collective is a campaign partner to the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce which is made up of the following charities:
Action Against Heartburn | The Brain Tumour Charity | Guts UK | Liver Cancer UK | Pancreatic Cancer UK | Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation