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PHE links way of cancer diagnosis with chances of receiving curative treatment

New data from the Public Health England (PHE) report the way of cancer diagnosis affecting the treatment options in patients with cancer. Compared to patients diagnosed through an emergency presentation, chances of receiving curative treatments, particularly surgery for complete tumour removal, was more likely in patients diagnosed cancer through screening, referred by a general practitioner or followed by an urgent 2-week referral. These data strongly support evidence that suggests screening for cancer diagnosis to be associated with better patient outcomes, ultimately saving lives.

Although the percentage of cancers diagnosed through emergency presentations has improved from 24% in 2006 to 20% in 2015, almost 44% of patients with breast, colon and rectal cancer diagnosed this way may miss out on potentially curative treatments vs those detected through a screening programme.

These data are based on PHE’s national cancer registry that follows the recent release of data published in partnership with Cancer Research UK, which shows how chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery rates vary for different groups of patients in England. Be Clear on Cancer campaign launched by PHE is aimed to create awareness around key symptoms that encourages everyone to think, act and treat early.

Dr. Jem Rashbass, cancer lead at PHE commented: “This new data reinforces the importance of early diagnosis, be that through screening or general practitioner referral – the earlier you get diagnosed with cancer the better.” He further added, “It’s important to be aware of any unexplained changes to your body, such as the sudden appearance of a lump, blood in your urine or a change to your usual bowel habits. If you have any concerns, always speak to your general practitioner.”


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