Cancer death rates in the UK have hit a historic low – dropping by 11 per cent over the past decade.
Around 247 in every 100,000 people are thought to die from cancer in any given year, which is a 29 per cent drop on the peak in 1989 (355 per 100,000), according to figures analysed by Cancer Research UK.
The data shows ovarian cancer death rates fell by 19 per cent from 2012-2014 to 2022-2024, with stomach cancer dropping 34 per cent and lung cancer 22 per cent.
Bowel cancer death rates are down 6 per cent, breast cancer 14 per cent, cervical cancer 11 per cent, leukaemia 9 per cent and oesophageal cancer 12 per cent.
However some death rates have increased over the same period, including gallbladder cancer (up 29 per cent), eye cancer (26 per cent), liver cancer (14 per cent) and kidney cancer (5 per cent).
Figures for other cancers – such as thyroid, pancreatic and melanoma – have remained stable.
There has been a huge 75 per cent reduction in cervical cancer death rates since the 1970s, with the NHS screening programme having a major impact.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is given to schoolchildren, is also helping efforts to tackle the disease.
Participants took part in the 13th edition of ‘Just The Woman I Am’, a 5-kilometre run and walk on Sunday to raise funds for university research on cancer
There has been a huge 75 per cent reduction in cervical cancer death rates since the 1970s, with the NHS screening programme having a major impact
At least 6.5million people have received the vaccine in the UK since it was introduced in 2008.
Doctor Sam Godfrey, science engagement lead at Cancer Research UK, said the drop in death rates was good news.
‘These figures represent decades of crucial scientific breakthroughs, from vaccines that prevent cancer to kinder, more targeted treatments,’ he said.
‘Because of this, thousands more people today can make memories, reach milestones and spend precious time with their loved ones.’
Dr Godfrey described the UK as being a ‘global leader in cancer research’, but warned that ‘we can’t take progress for granted’.
He added: ‘It’s essential that the Government makes it easier and faster to set up clinical trials, as well as providing NHS staff with the time and space to carry out life-saving research.’
The death rate for prostate cancer has fallen by 11 per cent in the past decade. Abiraterone, a drug that stops testosterone fuelling the disease, was developed by Cancer Research UK scientists.
The charity said other factors contributing to falling death rates include smoking bans and screening for breast, bowel and cervical cancers. But a growing and ageing population means that, overall, the number of people dying from cancer continues to rise.
