THE overall first-year survival rate for cancer in England rose 9 per cent to 74.6 per cent over the period from 2005 to 2020, according to new data published by NHS England.
The one-year cancer survival index also breaks down the figures by types of cancer and where patients live. It shows that one-year breast cancer survival is now 97 per cent and for bowel cancer the survival rate is above 80 per cent.
Statistics released in February revealed 5-year survival rates have also improved for most types of cancer, and child cancer survival rates were up to more than 86 per cent.
NHS England says that there were more than 7.3 million urgent referrals and over 1.6 million people receiving cancer treatment between March 2020 and January 2023. It has continued to prioritise those waiting longer than 62 days for first treatment.
Health Minister Helen Whately said: “These figures are highly encouraging and support those released earlier this year which show improved survival rates across almost all types of cancer. They are evidence of the great strides being made by the NHS, scientists and our incredible cancer charities.
“We know there is more to do and early diagnosis is crucial to improving survival rates even further. Our ambition is to diagnose 75 per cent of cancer at an early stage by 2028 which will help save tens of thousands of lives for longer.”
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