UK lags in cancer treatment compared to other countries

Feb 26,2024

People in the UK were treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy less often than in comparable countries and faced long waits for treatments, according to two new studies published in The Lancet Oncology. 

In the first research of its kind, investigators at University College London examined data from over 780,000 people with cancer diagnosed between 2012 and 2017 in four comparable countries (Australia, Canada, Norway and the UK). Eight cancer types were included: oesophageal, stomach, colon, rectal, liver, pancreatic, lung and ovarian cancer. 

The two studies by the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) are the first to examine treatment differences for eight cancer types in countries across three continents. Building on previous research, the findings provide further insights into why cancer survival in the UK lags behind internationally. 

Although not every patient will require them, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are key treatment options – it's estimated around 4 in 10 people with cancer in the UK should receive radiotherapy as part of their care. With cancer cases projected to rise in the UK, demand for these treatments will substantially increase. And a wider range of people, including older people with more complex healthcare needs, will require cancer treatment. 

While some cancer patients need time to prepare for treatment, others are forced to wait too long. This can result in people's cancers continuing to grow and spread, potentially impacting the success of their treatment and further exacerbating their stress and anxiety levels. 

Cancer Research UK said that concerning delays to begin treatment in the UK are partly a result of the UK Government's lack of long-term planning on cancer in recent decades. Countries with more robust cancer strategies backed by sufficient funding have seen larger improvements in survival than the UK.

There are a range of factors driving international differences in the use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Cancer Research UK said that workforce and capacity pressures across the UK health system are barriers to delivering world-class treatment for patients. 

Source: News Medical