Cancer survival in the UK has seen a dramatic improvement over the past five decades, with half of all patients now living at least 10 years after diagnosis—double the survival rate of the 1970s, according to a landmark study by Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
The report, which examines 50 years of cancer mortality and incidence data, reveals a 23% drop in cancer death rates since the 1970s, falling from 328 to 252 deaths per 100,000 people.
Yet despite these advances, cancer remains the UK’s leading cause of death, responsible for around one in four fatalities.
CRUK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, described the current era as a “golden age” for cancer research, driven by breakthroughs in genomics, AI, digital health, and targeted therapies.
She noted: “Over the last half-century, we’ve seen remarkable progress thanks to life-saving research in prevention, early detection and cutting-edge treatments.”
However, Mitchell warned that despite scientific progress, NHS pressures are slowing gains in survival. Only around 50% of cancers in England are detected at an early stage—a figure that has remained stagnant for nearly a decade.
The 42-page analysis, released ahead of the final day of the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in Chicago, also highlights stark disparities in survival outcomes. While men have seen the largest survival improvements since the 1970s, women still enjoy higher overall survival rates.
The study emphasised the role of lifestyle and exercise in recovery, with patients following an exercise regime showing a 28% reduced risk of recurrence or new cancers after five years.
Despite these advances, CRUK forecasts a steep rise in cancer cases. “Almost one in two people in the UK will develop cancer in their lifetime,” Mitchell stated.
“If current trends continue, annual cancer diagnoses will increase by nearly a third, surpassing half a million cases per year by 2040.”
With more than 460 people dying from cancer every day in the UK, CRUK is calling for urgent and bold government intervention. “We need decisive action to reduce these numbers. This moment calls for political will and investment,” said Mitchell.
In response, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “It’s encouraging to see falling mortality rates, but we acknowledge more must be done.
Through our Plan for Change, an additional 90,000 people have had cancer diagnosed or ruled out since last July. In February, we recorded the highest ever proportion of patients receiving a diagnosis or all-clear within four weeks.”
As the UK enters a critical phase in its fight against cancer, experts warn that without addressing NHS delays and boosting early detection, the pace of progress may continue to slow—despite an era rich in scientific innovation.
