More than a million lives saved from cancer in the last four decades

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “These trends show that together, we are beating cancer – and we couldn’t have made the breakthroughs that have changed people’s lives without the generosity of the British public.” However, despite these improvements, cancer remains the leading cause of death in the UK, and advances have not been equal across all cancers, Cancer research added. Dame Cally Palmer, NHS national cancer director, said: “The NHS has been seeing and treating record numbers of people for cancer, with survival rates now at an all-time high.” “From piloting multi-cancer early detection tests to the rollout of lung health checks and the latest precision therapies, NHS teams across the country are making huge progress in the early detection and treatment of cancer and in saving more lives.” Cancer Research UK pointed to continued investment in cancer research, strong political leadership, and the continued support of the public, to improve these rates further. Professor Jean Abraham, breast cancer researcher at the University of Cambridge, suggested: “This is a golden era for cancer research.” “In my own field of personalising breast cancer treatments, we’re now able to complete genome sequencing from the lab to the clinic in a matter of days, when 10 years ago it would have taken months.” Described as ‘game-changing’, researchers can now utlitise a patient’s unique genetic markers to personalise their medical treatment, allowing doctors to find the exact course of action best suited to individuals, Professor Jean Abraham added. That is why it’s crucial that we continue pioneering cancer research to save more lives.” Cancer Research UK released these figures as it launches its latest campaign called “Together We Are Beating Cancer”.