THE SURVIVAL rate of cancer patients in north Cumbria one year after diagnosis is still on the rise, new figures show.
But it comes as early diagnosis rates lag behind Government targets for 75% of cancer cases to be detected at stage one or two by 2028.
A panel of experts appointed by MPs has described the Government's commitment to cancer care across England as "inadequate", while former health secretary Jeremy Hunt warned cancer survival could "go into reverse" as a result of missed early diagnoses.
NHS Digital figures show 73.8% of people living in the NHS North Cumbria CCG area survived the first year after their cancer diagnosis in 2019.
This was up from 73.1% the year prior and 64% in 2004, when records began.
The figures do not include patients with prostate and non-melanoma skin cancers.
However, little progress has been made on early diagnosis and the national rate remains well below the 75% target, which was first announced as part of the NHS Long Term Plan in 2018.
In north Cumbria, 53.5% of all cancer diagnoses in 2019 were classified as stage one or two, down from 53.7% over the same time period.
Mr Hunt, chairman of the Government's health and social care committee, which recently published a report on cancer services nationally, warned early cancer diagnosis is being jeopardised by staff shortages and the "damaging and prolonged impact" of the coronavirus pandemic.
A joint spokesperson for NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group and North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said: “We would urge anybody who has noticed any unusual, unexplained symptoms such as a lump or bleeding to contact their GP as quickly as possible as we know the positive impact early diagnosis can have on treatment and outcomes.
"Since 2019 we have made a number of improvements to cancer services in north Cumbria including the opening of the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbria in Carlisle.
“We know that during the pandemic some people have delayed seeking medical help, but we would continue to encourage anyone concerned about their health to get in touch as soon as possible.”
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