UK has raised alarms about a concerning trend in cancer survival. The study reveals that progress in improving UK cancer survival rates has slowed significantly over the past decade. This stagnation comes despite major investments in cancer research, technology, and treatment access.
The analysis, based on national cancer registry data, shows that while more people are surviving cancer than ever before, the pace of improvement has notably decelerated. Between 2000 and 2010, survival rates rose steadily across most types of cancer. However, since 2011, gains have been modest, with little improvement in outcomes for several aggressive cancers.
The report found that the five-year cancer survival rate in England increased from 49% in 2010 to just 55% in 2020. In contrast, the previous decade saw a jump from 40% to 49%. Experts warn that the current pace is unlikely to meet long-term NHS goals of achieving world-leading survival rates.
Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “We are deeply concerned by the slowdown in progress. While overall survival is higher than it was, the gains are uneven and fragile. We risk losing the momentum built over the past 20 years.”
The study also highlights growing disparities in outcomes between different types of cancer. Cancers such as breast and prostate continue to show strong survival improvements. For instance, breast cancer five-year survival now stands at over 85%. Prostate cancer has surpassed 90%. However, progress remains minimal for hard-to-treat cancers like lung, pancreatic, and liver cancer. Lung cancer survival has risen from 10% to only 15% over a decade. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest, with a five-year survival rate under 8%.
Dr. Charles Swanton, Chief Clinician at Cancer Research UK, stated, “We’re seeing a two-tier system in cancer survival. Some cancers benefit from early detection and better therapies. Others, particularly those diagnosed late, continue to see poor outcomes.” This widening gap underscores the urgent need for targeted research, better diagnostics, and earlier intervention. The charity emphasized that without such efforts, UK cancer survival targets will fall short.
One major factor affecting recent cancer survival rates is the COVID-19 pandemic. The report notes that disruptions in screening services, delayed diagnoses, and postponed treatments during 2020–2022 had a serious impact. Thousands of cancer cases went undetected or were diagnosed at more advanced stages.
Although NHS services have resumed, backlogs remain, especially in diagnostic imaging and pathology. Waiting times for cancer treatment remain above pre-pandemic levels. According to NHS England, only 65% of patients start treatment within two months of urgent referral, well below the 85% target.
Cancer Research UK has called for urgent government action to address the slowdown in cancer survival improvements. The charity recommends increased investment in diagnostic equipment, better workforce planning, and sustained research funding.
The UK currently lags behind other high-income countries in survival for many cancers. For example, Australia and Canada outperform the UK in colorectal, lung, and ovarian cancer survival rates. Experts believe this reflects differences in screening uptake, healthcare staffing, and early detection. Mitchell urged ministers to act: “We need a bold and comprehensive cancer strategy. Without immediate intervention, thousands of lives will be lost unnecessarily.”
Despite the slowdown, experts remain hopeful that progress can resume with the right policy changes. New advances in immunotherapy, precision medicine, and AI diagnostics offer opportunities to transform cancer survival. However, these technologies must be integrated into the NHS system effectively. Delays in implementation could further widen the gap between research breakthroughs and patient benefit.
As the UK grapples with an ageing population and increasing cancer incidence, the urgency of reversing this trend cannot be overstated. The fight to improve UK cancer survival is far from over, but the next steps must be decisive and inclusive.
