According to new projections by Cancer Research UK, there will be over 900,000 deaths from cancer in the UK at the end of this government’s first term.
The number of deaths has increased by 17% since the previous parliamentary session in 2019. It has been warned that by 2029, there will be 2.2 million new cancer cases in the UK.
It said that the UK’s increasing population is the primary reason for this increase. As the population grows and ages, cancer deaths and cases will increase.
The charity stated that cancer waiting times also show the services are in trouble. In England, for example, the 62 day target to get patients their first treatment after a referral is not being met.
The number of patients who wait longer than 104 day to start treatment is on the rise.
According to analysis by the charity, the number of cancer patients in England who have to wait at least 104 calendar days before they can begin treatment after an urgent referral for suspected cancer has nearly tripled in five years.
The charity warned that there was “an urgent requirement” to take action in order to change the trajectory for cancer care in the UK. This included the need for an integrated, long-term cancer strategy.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “The UK Government must make sure they live up to their commitments in order to combat cancer and become a leader in cancer care and research.”
She added, “There aren’t any quick fixes or simple solutions. Bold action is required to help people lead longer and better lives.”
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