Decline in bowel cancer deaths is a 'major succes'
The decline of bowel cancer deaths is one of the major success stories of the past 30 years in Europe, according to a study published in the leading cancer journal Annals of Oncology today. The researchers predict that in 2018 death rates from the disease will continue to fall by around seven per cent compared to 2012.
The researchers predict that death rates in the European Union (EU) for most cancers will continue to fall this year, compared to 2012. The exceptions are cancers of the pancreas and lung in women, which will continue to rise.
Commenting on the study Dr Lisa Wilde, Director of Research and External Affairs at Bowel Cancer UK and Beating Bowel Cancer, says: “Whilst it is encouraging to see an estimated decline in bowel cancer deaths, the stark reality is that the number of people dying from the disease across Europe is set to reach 177,000 this year.
“With so many lives at stake, it’s clear that more needs to be done to improve survival. Bowel cancer screening is one of the best ways to diagnose bowel cancer at the earliest stage, when treatment is most likely to be effective and curable, but at the moment uptake in the UK is low at just over 50%. Access to treatments and leading healthy lifestyles are also crucial to ensure thousands of lives are not needlessly lost every year.”
- Learn more about bowel cancer screening
- Find out how you can reduce your risk of bowel cancer
- Read about treatment options