The national data links individual patients’ route to
diagnosis, including screening, GP referrals,
and emergency presentations, with the treatment
patients go on to receive.
Those diagnosed through screening were likely to have
the most treatment options available and receive
treatments aimed at curing the cancer, in particular
surgery to completely remove the tumour. This strongly
supports the benefits of screening as a way of
diagnosing cancer early, which evidence suggests leads
to better patient outcomes, ultimately saving lives.
Compared to patients who were diagnosed through an
emergency presentation, those diagnosed through
screening, GP referral,
or following an urgent 2-week referral saw more
potentially curative treatment.
While the percentage of cancers diagnosed through
emergency presentations is improving - falling from 24%
in 2006 to 20% in 2015 - the data shows 44% of breast,
colon and rectal cancer patients diagnosed in this way
may miss out on potentially curative treatments
compared to those who are detected through a screening
programme.
Dr Jem Rashbass, cancer lead at Public Health England
said:
This new data allows us to see clearly how the route
through which someone is diagnosed with cancer
affects the treatment that they go on to receive. It
reinforces the importance of early diagnosis, be that
through screening or GP referral
– the earlier you get diagnosed with cancer the
better.
It’s important to be aware of any unexplained changes
to your body, such as the sudden appearance of a
lump, blood in your urine, or a change to your usual
bowel habits. If you have any concerns, always speak
to your GP.
The latest data publication builds on the knowledge
of PHE’s national cancer
registry. It follows the recent release of data published
in partnership with Cancer Research UK that
shows how chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery rates
vary for different groups of patients in England. The
cancer data service has also signed a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) with China’s
cancer services to support the development of a
national cancer database in China, continuing the
service’s reputation as the leading cancer database in
the world.
PHE’s Be Clear on
Cancer campaign continues to drive awareness
around key symptoms; encouraging everyone to think, act
and treat early.
