MP warns on cancer survival rates

ONLY 66 per cent of people with cancer in Warrington live for a year after being diagnosed, according to MP Helen Jones.
This compares with 68 per cent for England as a whole – and at present the UK lags far behind its international and European neighbours.
Ms Jones (pictured) says earlier cancer diagnosis is vital as a means of increasing one-year cancer survival.
By 2020, almost half of people will receive a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime and the presentation of the one-year survival figures is a powerful tool to measure the performance of the local NHS and ensure crucial improvements are made, the Warrington North MP says.
By putting one-year survival rates up in lights in the NHS architecture for the first time, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) will be able to identify where initiatives are required – or need to be improved – to promote earlier diagnosis.
These can include better screening, improving public awareness of signs and symptoms, better diagnostics at Primary Care or GP training.
Ms Jones said: “We know that early diagnosis of cancer leads to better survival rates for patients.
“The one-year cancer survival rates will highlight areas where improvements need to be made. I have written to our CCG leadership for an update on initiatives to encourage earlier diagnosis, and look forward to working with them on behalf of local cancer patients.
“By matching Europe’s best survival rates, it is estimated that the NHS in England could save 10,000 lives a year. This should be our aim: to give people in our area the best chance in their fight against cancer.”