Britain's cancer death toll among over-75s is worst in Western world

Published on Thursday 25 June 2009 00:13

THOUSANDS of older people in the UK could be dying prematurely from cancer every year, new figures suggest.

Research shows that deaths among the over-75s are higher in the UK than in Europe or the United States.

Experts said that as many as 15,000 premature deaths could be prevented in this age group each year if mortality rates dropped to match European and American levels.

People going to their doctors too late and delays in diagnosis and treatment are thought to be behind the higher death rates.

The Scottish Government said it would consider the findings of the research and its implications for Scotland.

The study, being presented at the National Cancer Intelligence Network conference today, found that in the past decade the numbers of people dying from cancer under the age of 75 had significantly dropped.

But the researchers from the North West Cancer Intelligence Service (NWCIS) in Manchester found that little progress had been made in the over-75s, leading to a wider gap in death rates compared to other countries.

In 1995-97, there were 1,625 deaths per 100,000 people aged 75 to 84 from cancer in the UK, compared to 1,414 for Western Europe, 1,421 for Northern Europe and 1,407 for the US.

By 2003-05, the death rate in this age group dropped by almost six per cent in the UK. But in Western Europe the rate dropped more at 12.1 per cent and in the US by 8.6 per cent.

Dr Tony Moran, lead researcher from NWCIS, said: "It's worrying that so many older people die from cancer in the UK compared with other countries. But, it's not clear why this is.

"Research is urgently needed to understand the reasons for the extra deaths so that steps can be taken to prevent them."

Dr Moran added: "Cancer is largely a disease of older people, with about half of all cancers diagnosed in those aged 70 or older.

"Most 75-year-olds could be expected to live for at least another ten years and we would expect them to benefit from improvements in treatment."

Chris Carrigan, head of the NCIN, said: "This study indicates that a worrying number of older cancer patients are dying unnecessarily and likely reasons include going to the doctor late, delayed diagnosis and treatment.

"It's really important that people are aware of cancer symptoms and feel able to go to the doctor if they notice anything that feels wrong for them.

"We believe many deaths could be avoided each year in the UK if cancers were diagnosed sooner."

Almost 27,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in Scotland in 2006. And in 2007 there were more than 15,000 deaths.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "Cancer is a top clinical priority for Scottish Government and NHS Scotland.

"We, like other administrations, will consider the research and the implications of this for Scotland.

"Better Cancer Care published last year outlined the Scottish Government's commitments to reducing the incidence of cancer – commitments across all ages."