Cancer deaths are projected to rise by a sixth during Labour’s first term compared with the previous five years, a charity has warned.
Analysis by Cancer Research UK suggests there will be around 912,000 deaths from all types of cancer in the UK between now and 2029, an increase of 17 per cent.
Experts also predict that new diagnoses will rise by more than a fifth over the same period, to around 2.2 million in total. They urged the Government to develop a long-term strategy for the disease, focusing on funding for research, early diagnosis and prevention.
Michelle Mitchell, from Cancer Research UK, said: “These figures highlight the devastating impact cancer continues to have on patients across the UK. Behind every worrying statistic is someone who could miss out on precious moments with the friends, family and loved ones they leave behind.”
Ms Mitchell called for “bold action” to help people live longer and healthier lives. “Decades of research have seen cancer survival double over the past 50 years, but this progress is slowing,” she added.
‘The Government must ensure it delivers on its commitments to tackle cancer and make the UK a world leader in research and care.
Michelle Mitchell (pictured), from Cancer Research UK, called for “bold action” to help people live longer and healthier lives. “Decades of research have seen cancer survival double over the past 50 years, but this progress is slowing,” she added.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Experts predict new diagnoses will rise by more than a fifth over the same period, to around 2.2 million in total. They have urged the Government to develop a long-term strategy for the disease.
A patient about to undergo a CT scan. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “We have inherited a broken NHS. Too many cancer patients wait too long for treatment and we are determined to change that (file image)
A doctor shows a patient the male reproductive system. Peter Tomlinson, 81, from Worcestershire, said he is concerned the NHS is “not prepared” to deal with cancer following his experience after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009 after his wife Ali, who was also a doctor, urged doctors to carry out a biopsy (file image)
‘There are no easy solutions or quick fixes: bold action is needed to help people live longer and better.
‘The Government should develop a long-term cancer strategy that funds research and innovation, prevents and diagnoses cancers earlier and addresses pressures on the NHS.’
Peter Tomlinson, 81, from Worcestershire, said he is concerned the NHS is “not prepared” to deal with cancer after his experience.
In 2009 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer after his wife Ali, who was also a doctor, urged doctors to perform a biopsy. After receiving hormone therapy and radiotherapy, Tomlinson said he emerged “relatively unscathed” but stressed that this was down to Ali.
Sadly, his wife was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013. Despite surgery and medication, she died at age 72 in the fall of 2020.
“My cancer was detected early, not by my family doctor or a specialist, but by my wife,” Tomlinson said.
“GPs are under a lot of pressure and I know that the symptoms of early cancer can be difficult to spot, but then there’s the wait for the test and the results.”
He added: “The Government must understand the emotional impact that cancer has on the patient.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “We have inherited a broken NHS. Too many cancer patients wait too long for treatment and we are determined to change that.
‘We will improve cancer survival rates by meeting all waiting time targets for cancer screening within five years and doubling the number of MRI and CT scans so that no patient has to wait longer than they should.’