Cancer death rates could be halved by 2030 with effective treatment

UK cancer death rates are likely to fall more rapidly between now and 2013 than they have done in the previous 20 years, according to research presented today by the UCL School of Pharmacy. Since 1990, age standardised cancer rates have fallen by over 20 per cent, but by 2030 they could drop by 50 per cent through more effective prevention, early stage diagnosis and better medicine and surgery. Authors of the report suggest that in areas such as bowel cancer prevention and treatment advances could be dramatic. The research also highlighted how community pharmacy based services could increase cancer awareness and improve testing access and support. The findings were presented at the UCL School of Pharmacy's annual New Year lecture at the Royal Society. Professor Jane Wardle (UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health) presented the lecture on 'Harm Reduction and Health Improvement - the role of cancer awareness'. Professor Wardle said: "Bowel cancer mortality in the UK could be halved in the coming one or two decades through lifestyle changes (including diets with less red and processed meat and more fibre and better weight control), the implementation of endoscopic screening for pre-cancers and a higher uptake of stool-based screening, combined with prompt help-seeking for symptoms." She added: "Greater willingness to take the actions required to support lifestyle change will be key to improving outcomes." - Bowel cancer mortality in the UK could be halved in the coming one or two decades through lifestyle changes (including diets with less red and processed meat and more fibre and better weight control), the implementation of endoscopic screening for pre-cancers and a higher uptake of stool-based screening, combined with prompt help-seeking for symptoms.