Swindon MP backs campaign to improve cancer survival

By Barrie Hudson - 12 January 2023

Health
  • Sir Robert Buckland supports the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation

    Sir Robert Buckland supports the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation

South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland backed the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce’s (LSCT) Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Day 2023.

The aim of the day - 11 January - was to highlight the critical importance of symptom awareness in improving survival and quality of life for people diagnosed with these cancers. 

The LSCT represents six less survivable cancers - lung, liver, brain, oesophageal, pancreatic and stomach - which have an average five-year survival rate of just 16 percent. 

Together, these less survivable cancers make up nearly half of all common cancer deaths in the UK.

Less survivable cancers are difficult to diagnose. Screening programmes are limited or non-existent and most of the public are unaware of common symptoms. 

Sir Robert said: “Each year thousands of people across the UK are diagnosed with a less survivable cancer and it’s a tragedy that this results in such a brutally short life expectancy.  

"I’m pleased to support Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Day and the aims of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce.”

A UK-wide survey carried out by the LSCT has revealed that awareness of the symptoms of these deadliest cancers is dangerously low across the country. Only one percent of respondents were able to correctly identify all symptoms of liver cancer from a list presented to them. 

Symptom awareness for oesophogeal and stomach cancers fared slightly better at two percent and three percent respectively while only seven percent of respondents knew all the symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Nine percent of people could spot the signs of lung cancer while knowledge of brain tumour symptoms was higher but still only 20 percent. 

As well as a focus on symptom awareness, the LSCT is calling for all UK governments to commit to increasing survival rates for less survivable cancers to 28 percent by 2029 by eliminating avoidable delays in diagnosis and proactively investing in research and treatment options.

Anna Jewell, Chair of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce, said: “It is deeply concerning that most of the general public are unaware of common symptoms of less survivable cancers. It’s one of the many challenges that we’re facing in the fight against these deadly diseases. 

"All of the less survivable cancers are difficult to diagnose and treatment options are falling far behind those for more-survivable but equally common cancers.

“The Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce is urging everyone to be aware of the symptoms of cancer and to seek medical help at the earliest opportunity if they recognise any of the signs.

“We’re also calling on all UK governments to commit to increasing survival rates for less survivable cancers to 28 percent by 2029 by delivering on their commitments to speed up diagnosis and proactively investing in research and treatment options. And we’re delighted that Sir Robert is supporting our Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Day.”

The Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce is urging everyone to be aware of the symptoms of these deadly cancers and to seek medical help at the earliest opportunity if they recognise any of the signs.

Typical symptoms will vary but red flags for less survivable cancers could include any of the following; persistent indigestion, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, a loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, a persistent cough, unexplained tiredness, headaches or nausea. 

The most important thing is for people to seek medical help swiftly if they notice anything unusual. They can find more information about these cancers at www.lesssurvivablecancers.org.uk

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