Cancer deaths fall to historic low in UK – this is probably why

Good news: cancer death rates in the UK have reached their lowest point ever. Cancer Research UK reports that about 247 people per 100,000 died from cancer each year between 2022 and 2024. This is a significant drop from 355 deaths per 100,000 in 1989, marking a nearly 29% decline.

Researchers say this long-term improvement comes from decades of investment in cancer research, prevention, and treatment. Many common cancers have seen major progress.

Progress in Common Cancers

Over the last ten years, deaths from stomach cancer have fallen by 34%. Lung cancer deaths dropped by 22%. Ovarian cancer deaths decreased by 19%, breast cancer by 14%, and prostate cancer by 11%.

These gains are due to several factors working together. Better cancer screening, new effective treatments, and earlier diagnosis have all helped improve survival. For example, new hormone-based therapies have slowed tumor growth in prostate cancer.

Cervical cancer has seen the most dramatic improvement, with deaths falling by 75% since the 1970s. This is mainly thanks to national screening programs and the HPV vaccine.

Screening has been a major reason for fewer cancer deaths. The NHS cervical screening program is very effective. It finds cancers at early stages and often spots pre-cancerous changes before cancer even develops.

The HPV vaccine, introduced in 2008, has also boosted this progress. It prevents infections that can cause the cell changes leading to cervical cancer.

Screening has also improved outcomes for other cancers. Programs for breast and colorectal cancer help find the disease earlier, when treatment is more likely to work. Similarly, PSA testing has improved the detection of prostate cancer.

Advances in Treatment and Prevention

Cancer research has also transformed treatment options. Doctors are increasingly using targeted therapies and personalized medicine. This allows them to tailor treatment to a patient's specific tumor biology. For instance, hormone therapies that block testosterone have greatly improved outcomes in prostate cancer.

Immunotherapy is also advancing quickly. Researchers are looking into preventive vaccines for cancers like lung and ovarian cancer. This raises the hope that some cancers could be prevented before they even start.

Public health efforts have also played a role. Policies like smoking bans and more awareness of cancer risks have helped reduce death rates for several major cancers.

Remaining Challenges and Future Outlook

While cancer death rates are falling, the total number of people dying from cancer is still rising. This is mainly because the UK population is growing and people are living longer. As people age, cell damage builds up, increasing cancer risk.

Some cancer types have seen an increase in deaths over the past decade. Deaths from skin, intestinal, bone, gallbladder, and eye cancers have risen. Liver cancer deaths are up by 14%, and kidney cancer deaths by 5%. These increases may be due to several factors. Some cancers are hard to detect early, and others have fewer effective treatments. Lifestyle factors, such as tanning bed use and diets high in ultra-processed food, might also contribute.

Researchers are now focusing more on these diseases, especially those linked to late-stage diagnosis. Expanding research and clinical trials in these areas could make a big difference.

Despite these challenges, the overall trend is positive. Experts believe that continued investment in research, clinical trials, and NHS capacity could further reduce cancer deaths. Projections suggest a 6% decrease in death rates within the next two decades.

The latest figures show what consistent investment in research, prevention, and treatment can achieve. As screening improves, therapies advance, and prevention expands, more progress against cancer seems within reach.

Ahmed Elbediwy is a senior lecturer in cancer biology and clinical biochemistry at Kingston University, England. Nadine Wehida is a senior lecturer in genetics and molecular biology at Kingston University, England.