New research exposes a troubling gap in cancer mortality—but the good news is, it’s preventable.
Cancer deaths are significantly higher in the UK’s most deprived areas compared to wealthier regions. According to a new analysis by Cancer Research UK, people in the poorest areas face a 60% greater risk of dying from cancer than those in affluent areas.
This staggering disparity results in 28,400 unnecessary deaths annually, equating to 78 lives lost every single day.
Why Does Cancer Hit the Poorest Hardest?
Research highlights several key factors that contribute to higher cancer mortality in disadvantaged communities:
Late Diagnosis – People in high-risk areas are more often diagnosed at an advanced stage, reducing survival chances.
Poor Access to Treatment – Patients in England’s poorest areas are up to 33% more likely to wait over 104 days for treatment after an urgent referral.
More Acute Cases – Over 50% more poor patients are diagnosed through emergency admissions, often meaning the disease has already spread.
Smoking and Lifestyle – Smoking remains the leading cause of cancer, with smoking rates in deprived areas being three times higher than in the wealthiest regions.
A Preventable Tragedy
Dr. Ian Walker, head of policy at Cancer Research UK, calls the statistics shocking and unacceptable—but entirely avoidable. He emphasizes that better access to NHS services, funding, and medical innovation are crucial to reducing these deaths.
Karis Betts, head of the inequalities program at Cancer Research UK, highlights the need for better screening and prevention. She points out that targeted lung examinations have already proven effective in saving lives among high-risk groups.
With the right policies and resources, this deadly inequality can be reversed.
The article is based on information from The Guardian.
