Cancer no longer feared as death sentence by majority of Brits

Statistics show half of all people diagnosed with cancer can now expect to live for another 10 years

 

BRITONS no longer fear that being diagnosed with cancer is a death sentence, a new survey has revealed.

The research shows that only a third of people diagnosed with the disease in the UK said fear of dying was one of the emotions they felt when they were given the grim news.

In comparison, nearly 40 per cent cited determination as one of the emotions they felt on receiving a diagnosis.

Just 29 per cent of those who knew someone diagnosed with cancer mentioned fear of death while 68 per cent said they felt sadness and 52 per cent were shocked.

Official statistics show half of all people diagnosed today can now expect to live for another 10 years.

The new study, carried out on behalf of Cancer Research UK, shows that Most Brits – around 70 per cent – agreed that scientific research is the only way that new treatments and methods will be developed to prevent, diagnose, treat and even cure cancer.

Martin Ledwick, Cancer Research UK’s head cancer information nurse, said the findings were “reassuring”.

He said: “A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but more than ever before research has led to better treatments and more patients surviving.

“In the future we know that one in two will be diagnosed with cancer but more people than ever are also surviving the disease.

 

Britons no longer fear that being diagnosed with cancer is a death sentence

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming

Martin Ledwick

“Better awareness of signs and symptoms, improved screening and diagnostic tests, and more effective treatments will help us achieve our goal of helping three in four people survive cancer for at least 10 years, rising from two in four.”

More than 2,000 adults were questioned for the online survey carried out as part of the charity’s new campaign called “Right Now” which highlights the personal impact of cancer.

The charity said it hopes to show that cancer continues to have an emotional and physical impact, and that research is happening right now to develop better treatments and improve survival for those people affected by the disease.

Angie Ayres - whose father died of cancer in November 2013 - was diagnosed with a fast-growing stage four breast cancer after a routine mammogram earlier this year. 

 

Just 29 per cent of those who knew someone diagnosed with cancer mentioned fear of death

 

Cancer Research UK’s head cancer information nurse said the findings were ‘reassuring’

 

Her father Angie, 52, of Southampton, Hants, said: “From the day I was diagnosed to going into theatre it was all so quick, I didn’t have time to process things – I just got on with it. 

“My first thought was ‘what’s the plan of action?’ Some people go into the depths of despair but because of my dad I got angry. I visualised a pair of boxing gloves and thought ‘I’m going to fight this’. I decided cancer wasn’t going to get me.

“I started radiotherapy at the beginning of December and that’s a completely new experience. My last radiotherapy session is on Christmas Eve – it’s the best Christmas present I could have. 

“I’ll always be grateful to my GP’s surgery for sending me the mammogram letter and for all the treatment and support I’ve received from the NHS. Being part of this campaign has also made me aware and thankful for the research that is going on, right now, to develop new and better treatment.”