Cancer deaths fall by 12% in 30 years: research

Deaths caused as a result of cancer have fallen by 12% in the past 30 years, according to Cancer Research UK figures released today.

The new figures revealed falls in death rates across a number of cancers. In the last generation the rate of women's deaths from breast cancer have fallen by 20% and men's deaths from testicular cancer have fallen by 37%.

During the same period the rate of deaths from bowel cancer have fallen by 35%, while deaths from Hodgkin's disease have fallen by 74%.

Cancer Research UK scientists now predict that the next generation will see the most significant advances yet against many cancers. Ovarian cancer is one area where major improvements in survival should be seen in the future, the charity said.

Areas of research include methods of boosting the immune system to attack tumours, developing drugs designed to target the cancer at a molecular level.

The figures coincide with the launch of the charity's 'All Clear' campaign, which highlights the plusses – that more patients are recovering and that many of those diagnosed with cancer now have a greatly improved chance of survival thanks to research – but also outlines how much more still needed to be done to bring the disease under control.

Cancer Research UK's Professor Michel Coleman, head of Epidemiology and Vital Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: "All of these falls in death rates are very encouraging. Progress is being made. But there are still, on average, more than 400 people dying from cancer every day in the UK.

"The rate of cancer deaths may be falling, but the number of people being diagnosed with cancer is increasing. The funding of research needs to continue and accelerate so that more people survive the disease in the next generation."

(gmcg)