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UK Cancer Survival Improvements Slow While Survival Gaps Widen

National Cancer Plan proposals call for earlier diagnosis, shorter waiting times, full lung screening rollout by 2029

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A doctor points at a screen with the tests of a patient suffering from cervical cancer
97 per cent of testicular cancer patients survived for ten years, compared with 4.3 per cent of pancreatic cancer patients
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Overview

  • A nationwide LSHTM and Cancer Research UK study of 10.8 million patients found the 10-year Cancer Survival Index reached 49.8% by 2018 but rose just 1.4% between 2010–2015 compared with 4% between 2000–2005.
  • Survival disparities between cancer types are at record levels, with 97% of testicular cancer patients alive at ten years versus just 4.3% for pancreatic cancer.
  • Gains have been strongest in cancers covered by screening programmes—breast, bowel and cervix—while stomach, lung, brain and pancreatic cancers have seen only marginal long-term improvements.
  • Researchers and Cancer Research UK are pressing for a National Cancer Plan that sets targets to slash diagnostic waits, enhance early detection and complete lung screening coverage by 2029.
  • The Department of Health and Social Care reports 95,000 more people were diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days between July 2024 and May 2025 as it shapes the national plan.