Poorest more likely to get cancer and to die from it -

Cancer death rates are 60 per cent higher in the UK's most deprived areas, new research shows, with the poorest more than 50 per cent more likely to be diagnosed after a trip to A&E than their wealthiest counterparts.

- RACHEL CLUN

A new report from Cancer Research UK has found that there are more than 28,000 extra cancer deaths a year linked to deprivation, and that people living in the poorest areas are up to a third more likely to wait more than 104 days to begin treatment despite an urgent referral. Those in the most deprived group are also less likely to take part in national screening programmes, and half as likely to receive cutting-edge treatment than people in the least deprived group.

While cancer care for many has broadly improved over recent decades – last year more cancers were caught at earlier, more treatable stages than ever before – there are huge disparities in care, as the new research shows.

Dr Ian Walker, executive director of policy and information at Cancer Research UK, said cancer treatment and outcomes should be the same for everybody, regardless of their postcode or their income. “No one should be at a greater risk of dying from this devastating disease simply because of where they live. These figures are shocking and unacceptable – but crucially, they’re avoidable,” he said.

Dr Neil Smith, GP lead for Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Alliance, has seen first-hand how difficult it can be for patients to access services. “High-quality care should be available to everyone when they need it. But sometimes, the hardest step can be getting to the doctor in the first place,” Dr Smith said.