News and Events

BU finds lowest ever cancer death rate

11 August 2008

Researchers from BU’s School of Health & Social Care have found that cancer deaths are markedly down in England & Wales.

A new research study has revealed that deaths caused by cancer in England and Wales are at their lowest ever, despite substantial rises in the incidence of malignancy cases.

The study was conducted by BU health expert Professor Colin Pritchard from the University’s School of Health & Social Care. He found that England and Wales cancer death rates have had the greater reduction than the majority of Major Developed Countries (MDC), including the USA.

The most striking Anglo-Welsh successes are among men aged 55 to 64 years, with cancer deaths down 29%. For men aged 65 to 74 years they have declined by 22% but only 9% in the US.

Cancer deaths between women in England and Wales aged 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 years fell 22% and 9% respectively in comparison to only 13% in the US.

Professor Pritchard said: “While the differences in the men and womens’ results are probably an indicator of changing lifestyles – for example more young women smoke than men – one reason for the improved overall results in England and Wales is that we now spend more on health than ever before.

“This research has shown that countries with the greatest increases in expenditure on health are those countries that have the biggest decrease in cancer deaths.

“However at 9.3% of GDP (gross domestic products), the UK is still below the average of other MDC – 9.85% – while the US spends a massive 15%.”

Professor Pritchard concluded: “It’s a reminder of what the NHS can achieve with better financial investment.”