What are the Importance of Early Detection of Cancer

Research suggests that earlystage cancers also cost less to treat

CANCER experts have spoken of the importance for survival rates of diagnosing the disease as early as possible.

 

Cancer Research UK said more than 90 per cent of patients are alive 10 years after being diagnosed at stage one for eight common cancers.

However, just five per cent of those survive who don’t find out they have the disease until it has reached stage four.

The stage of a cancer is based on how large the tumour is and how far it has spread in the body.

Early diagnosis improves the chance of survival because more treatment options are available and they are more effective.

Research has also shown earlystage cancers cost less to treat.

One in two people will develop cancer at some point in their life, and as life expectancy increases the number is set to rise.

The findings were based on eight common cancers – bladder, bowel, breast, cervical, womb, malignant melanoma, ovarian and testicular.

Early diagnosis and ensuring patients have access to the best treatment is essential to further improving survival

Sara Hiom, director of early diagnosis for Cancer Research UK

 

These account for more than 40 per cent of all cancers, but 27 per cent are only diagnosed at the later stages of three or four.

Around 80 per cent of patients diagnosed at stages one or two survive for at least 10 years compared with just 26 per cent diagnosed at stages three and four.

Calling for increased funding for NHS services and research, the charity’s director of early diagnosis, Sara Hiom, said: “These figures show the prize on offer if we can diagnose more cancers earlier.

"If the Government acts on the recommendations in the new cancer strategy, we can increase the number of people diagnosed at an early stage across all cancer types, from around half of patients now to more than 60 per cent by 2020, improving the outlook for thousands of people.

“Thanks to research, cancer survival has doubled in the last 40 years.

"Early diagnosis and ensuring patients have access to the best treatment is essential to further improving survival."

Dr Richard Roope, Cancer Research UK’s GP expert, said: “Diagnosing cancer early isn’t always easy – the symptoms may be vague or similar to less serious conditions.

“GPs play a critical role in early diagnosis – knowing when symptoms need to be investigated and referring patients promptly for tests.”