Cancer update

A study from the Cancer Research UK Cancer Survival Group asks how many cancer deaths in England would be avoided if socioeconomic inequalities were eliminated? Based on data covering 1996-2006, the researchers conclude that while avoidable deaths have reduced, the gap between rich and poor remains substantial: "over 60% of the total number of avoidable deaths occurred within six months after diagnosis and approximately 70% occurred in the two most deprived groups." Latest data from ONS (up to 2009) confirms the persistence in geographic inequalities in survival, with the north-south divide reduced but still in evidence. A more detailed study of socioeconomic inequalities in survival from breast cancer in South West England looks at whether inequalities are present in screening-detected cancer as well as in symptomatic women. The researchers found inequalities with screening detected diagnosis, but in a less marked way. Research on cancer spending amongst primary care organisations in South East England suggests spending was not so much associated with disease burden than activity: "Lower per capita spending on cancer was associated with smaller PCT populations and a higher proportion of deprived areas within them." Finally, a major study from Cancer Research UK examines causes of cancer in the UK in 2010: lifestyle appears to be a major culprit, accounting for over 40% of cancers diagnosed.