Cancer survival rates in the UK have improved dramatically over the past five decades, but experts warn that progress is leaving some of the deadliest forms behind. Research from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine published on August 12 shows that overall survival has doubled to around 50% since the 1970s, and 10-year survival for melanoma skin cancer now exceeds 90% in England and Wales. However, cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, lungs, and pancreas remain stubbornly lethal.
For instance, less than 5% of pancreatic cancer patients survive for a decade after diagnosis, and oesophageal, stomach, and lung cancers typically have 10-year survival rates below 20%.
Researchers attribute most gains to earlier detection and advances in treatment, but note that cancers with the lowest survival rates are often the hardest to diagnose and have the fewest treatment options. Longer waiting times for diagnosis and treatment are also seen as slowing improvement.
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is responsible for the CONCORD program, which tracks cancer survival trends all over the world. Through their surveillance, they've determined the top nations with the best cancer survival rates for the leading forms of cancer around the globe. While there are a number of treatment options that can allow patients to go into remission from the disease, many of these therapies are expensive and not accessible in all regions.
What are the top five countries offering effective and accessible cancer treatment options for their citizens? Click through the gallery to find out.