Thousands of Brits are missing out on cancer treatment that could lengthen their lives, charity warns

THOUSANDS of Brits are missing out on cancer treatment that could help them live longer, a charity warns.

Cancer Research UK said studies found we are less likely to get chemotherapy or radiotherapy for a tumour than patients in Australia, Canada or Norway.

AlamyBritish cancer patients could be missing out on vital treatment[/caption]

Over-85s are especially short-changed and three times more OAPs receive chemo Down Under than in Britain.

There are around 400,000 cancer cases every year in the UK and our survival rates lag behind similar countries like France, Japan and the USA.

Cancer Research said four in 10 British patients should receive radiotherapy but found only two in 10 do.

It means 80,000 could be missing out each year.

The charity’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: “All cancer patients deserve to receive the highest quality care no matter where they live.”

Two studies were done by the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership.

Clinical leader at the ICBP, Dr John Butler, said: “This research shows missed opportunities for patients in the UK to receive life-prolonging treatment.

“For many aggressive cancers such as ovarian, lung and pancreatic cancer, it’s vital that people are diagnosed and start treatment as soon as possible. 

“Lower use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the UK could impact people’s chances of survival, especially for older patients.”

Cancer case and death numbers will rise for decades

Yearly cancer cases in the UK are expected to soar from 450,000 in 2022 to 625,000 by 2050.

And deaths will rise to 279,000 from 182,000.

Experts warn the NHS needs to get better at catching tumours early and treating them fast because the disease will become more and more common as we live longer now.

Hospitals in England consistently fall below target on the time it takes for patients to see a specialist after a GP referral, or to start treatment after diagnosis.

One in three people wait two months or more to start treatment after their first appointment – the NHS target is for the figure to be one in seven or fewer.

CRUK’s Ms Mitchell added: “Behind these statistics are people waiting anxiously to begin treatment that is key to boosting their chances of survival.

“We can learn a great deal from other countries who have stepped up and substantially improved cancer services.

“With a general election on the horizon, the UK Government has a real opportunity to buck the trends we see in this research and do better for people affected by cancer.”