Cancer Research UK has revealed that advancements in treatment and testing have resulted in women having more quality time with their families. The charity predicts that between 2023 and 2025, there will be 29 deaths per 100,000 women in the UK from breast cancer, a significant decrease from the 59 per 100,000 reported between 1987 and 1989 – representing a drop of 51 percent.
Michelle Mitchell, the chief executive of the charity, commented on the encouraging progress made in improving breast cancer survival rates over the past 35 years. She highlighted that research has led to the development of more effective and compassionate treatments, as well as earlier detection, which ultimately leads to more successful outcomes.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer among women in Britain, with approximately 56,000 new cases reported annually. As part of the National Health Service (NHS) screening program, all women aged between 53 and 71 are offered free mammogram cancer checks every three years.
Survival rates have significantly improved, with nearly 78 percent of breast cancer patients now surviving for 10 years or longer following their diagnosis. This is in contrast to the 48 percent reported in 1981. The analysis conducted by Cancer Research UK also revealed that five-year survival rates have increased from 61 percent to 87 percent during the same period, while one-year survival rates have risen from 86 percent to 96 percent.
Despite these positive findings, the overall number of breast cancer-related deaths is decreasing at a slower rate due to population growth. Currently, there are around 10,800 deaths each year in comparison to 15,400 in the late 1980s.
Professor Carlos Caldas, a cancer medicine expert at Cambridge University, described the advancements as “really extraordinary.” He emphasized the significance of improved diagnosis, surgery, and radiology in managing breast cancer. More precise diagnosis enables more targeted and effective treatment options, and the availability of specialized breast surgeons has resulted in less invasive surgeries. Additionally, advancements in radiology techniques have reduced side effects, and the introduction of new drugs has further improved outcomes.
However, Professor Caldas acknowledged that breast cancer a common disease and called for more treatment options to transform it into a chronic condition similar to high blood pressure or diabetes. He emphasized the importance of developing treatments for the small percentage of women who do not currently benefit from existing therapies in order to reduce the number of annual deaths in the UK.
Melanie Sturtevant from the charity Breast Cancer Now added that while the progress is commendable, there is still work to be done. She expressed concerns about the strained NHS screening program and emphasized the need for increased support and treatment for those living with and beyond breast cancer.
