Cancer death rates in the UK have fallen to the lowest level on record. Three factors jointly contributed to this result: advances in oncology research, a greater supply of effective treatments, and advances in screening that allow for earlier diagnosis.
According to the most recent data from Cancer Research UK, between 2022 and 2024, on average, around 247 people will die from cancer for every 100,000 inhabitants per year in the United Kingdom.
This is a descent from the peak of 355 deaths per 100 thousand inhabitants recorded in 1989 — a reduction of almost 29%
Researchers say this sustained drop over time reflects decades of investment in oncological research, prevention and treatment.
Much of this progress results from significant improvements in several common cancers. In the last ten years, deaths from stomach cancer fell 34%, while deaths from lung cancer fell 22%.
The deaths from ovarian cancer decreased by 19%, mother’s cancer 14% and the prostate cancer 11%.
These gains in the fight against cancer reflect the combination of several factorsexplain Ahmed Elbediwy and Nadine Wehida, professors of Biology and Clinical Biochemistry at Kingston University, in an article in .
Os advances in oncological screeninggreater supply of new treatments and effective, as well as the earlier diagnosisall contributed to improving survival rates. Node prostate cancerfor example, progress in hormonal therapies helped stop the growth of tumors.
Perhaps the most significant improvement occurred in the cervical cancerwhose deaths have fallen by 75% since the 1970s. This is largely due to national screening programs and introduction of the HPV vaccine.
One of the main drivers of the reduction in cancer deaths has been screening. THE screening program of cervical cancer in the NHS, the British national health system, has been particularly effectiveby detecting cancers at very early stages and, often, by identifying precancerous changes even before the disease develops.
The success of the HPV vaccine, introduced in 2008 and currently administered to millions of people, reinforced this progress, by prevent infections which can trigger the cellular mutations that are at the origin of cervical cancer.
The screening also improved outcomes in other cancer types. Programs targeting breast and colorectal cancer help detect the disease earlier, at a stage where treatment has greater probability of success. Similarly, the introduction of the PSA test has improved the detection of prostate cancer.
At the same time, the advances in oncology research transformed therapeutic options. Targeted therapies and personalized medicine are increasingly common, allowing doctors to tailor treatment to each patient’s tumor biology. To the hormonal therapies that block testosterone, for example, have significantly improved outcomes in prostate cancer.
A immunotherapy is also advancing rapidly. Researchers are exploring preventative vaccines for cancers such as lung and ovarian cancer, opening up the possibility that some of these tumors could, in the future, be prevented before they even arise.
As public health measures also played an important role. Policies such as smoking bans, along with greater awareness of cancer risk factors, have contributed to a decline in mortality rates in several of the main types of cancer.
Still, it is important to note that, although the mortality rates because cancer is descending, the total number of people who die continues to increase. This happens, to a large extent, because the population is growing and the people live longer.
As we age, we accumulate mutations and cell damagewhich increases the risk of cancer. Rising deaths from some cancers are now leading researchers to focus more attention on these diseases.
Many of these cases are associated with late diagnoses, because symptoms often only appear when the disease is already at an advanced stage. Strengthening research and clinical trials in these areas could make a significant difference.
Cancers that buck the trend
Some types of cancer have seen an increase in deaths in the last decade. This is the case of cancers of the skin, intestine, bone, gallbladder and eye increased by 46%, 48%, 24%, 29% and 26%, respectively. Liver cancer deaths rose 14%, while kidney cancer deaths rose 5%.
There are probably several explanations for these rises. Some cancers are more difficult to detect earlywhile others have fewer effective treatments.
Os lifestyle factors may also be contributing, including greater use of solariums and diets rich in ultra-processed foods.
Mortality rates in cancers such as thyroid and pancreasas well as in some skin cancers, remained globally unchanged.
Despite this, the global trend continues to be encouraging. Experts believe that with continued investment in research, clinical trials and the responsiveness of the NHS, cancer mortality could fall further.
Current projections point to a reduction in mortality rates of about 6% between 2024-26 and 2038-40, toover the next two decades.
While challenges remain, the latest figures show what can be achieved with sustained investment in research, prevention and treatment. As screening improves, therapies evolve and prevention expands, new advances in fighting cancer may be within our reach.
