Number of early-stage cancer diagnoses in England at record levels, says NHS

The number of patients diagnosed with early-stage cancer in England has risen to its highest level, according to NHS analysis.

The latest data, which focuses on 13 of the most common cancers such as breast, prostate and lung cancer, shows that almost three in five patients are diagnosed in the first or second stages, when cancer is easier to treat is.

The NHS said the news follows an initiative over the past two years to encourage millions of people to come forward for potentially life-saving checks.

This includes those who may be at higher risk due to hereditary or lifestyle factors.

Data shows that 58.7% of common cancers diagnosed between September 2023 and August 2024 were identified at an early stage.

The NHS said this marked an improvement of 2.7 percentage points on pre-pandemic levels, equating to around 7,000 additional patients diagnosed early.

NHS England’s national director of cancer, Cally Palmer, said: “Lives are saved when cancer is detected early, and after a big push on early detection in recent years it is really encouraging to see that more people than ever are catching it at an earlier stage. are diagnosed.

“There is much more to do to save more lives and we will not give up our efforts to detect more cancer cases earlier, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

“NHS teams across the country continue to carry out tests and checks closer to people who need them, and as new treatments continue to become available, we will continue to do everything we can to get people seen and treated for cancer as early as possible. possible.”

The Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHC) and liver health programs are among the initiatives the NHS has introduced to help detect more cancer cases earlier.

Under these programs, hi-tech mobile scanning vehicles and vans enter communities to carry out in-depth checks on people in shopping centres, sports stadiums, food banks and supermarket car parks.

Data shows that more than 5,000 people have been previously diagnosed with lung cancer through the TLHC program since its launch in 2019.

Paul Nelson, 72, from Birkenhead, had no symptoms when he went for a TLHC check, but a scan discovered lung cancer.

Recalling the moment he was diagnosed, he said: “That first scan gave me a chance at life. I had no symptoms at all and was fit and healthy, so I was devastated when they told me it was cancer.

“I’ve never had any problems with my chest before, but I had the check-up and then was offered the scan, so I thought why not? I’m so glad I went.

“This has now been noticed early enough for treatment. If it had lasted a few more months, things could have been very different.

“I’ve spoken to several friends and former colleagues who put off receiving the check after receiving it. I told them they have to go.

“Why not get a free checkup if he can catch something early? If this could happen to me when I was so healthy, it could happen to anyone.”

Analysis also shows that more people than ever were tested for cancer in the past year.

From November 2023 to October 2024, more than 3 million people were seen for urgent cancer checks, which is over 100,000 more than the same period the year before, and over 700,000 more than the same period five years ago – before the Covid-19 epidemic. pandemic.

NHS England National Clinical Director for Cancer, Prof Peter Johnson, said: “As we all live longer and the number of people developing cancer continues to rise, the NHS is diagnosing more cancers than ever before.

“Our work to raise awareness, warn people at risk and encourage people to come forward for checks is vital to ensure people can get treatment quickly. Talking about cancer also helps save lives, so if you see friends and loved ones this New Year, reach out and have a conversation.

“If someone is concerned that they have signs or symptoms of cancer, encourage them to get checked. The NHS is there for people and wants to see them as quickly as possible.”