A health charity has sounded the alarm over the drop in the proportion of people taking up cancer screenings, as figures show how effective tests are in detecting cancer early.
Breast, bowel and cervical cancer screening programs collectively detected nearly 90,000 cancers between 2019 and 2023, according to analysis by Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
This includes 62,000 cases of breast cancer, 23,000 cases of colorectal cancer and 4,400 cases of cervical cancer.
But charities have expressed concern over a decline in the number of people taking up breast and cervical cancer screenings.
Approximately 70% of the participants applied for colorectal cancer screening, 69% of those recruited participated in cervical cancer screening, and 65% participated in breast cancer screening.
The charity said the proportion of people taking up the offer to have their breasts examined had not reached pre-pandemic levels, with 71.1% taking up the offer in 2019.
Cervical cancer screening uptake rates have steadily declined over the past decade, dropping from 74.2% in 2014 to 68.7% in 2023.
CRUK is calling for measures to make testing easier for people in the UK, including allowing people to book out-of-hours appointments.
Michelle Mitchell, the charity's chief executive, said increased access to testing “means we have a better chance of catching cancer early”.
The NHS goal of diagnosing 75% of all cancers early (stage 1 or 2) by 2028 is “off track”, but improved screening is “essential” to reach this target. Yes, the report said.
Mitchell said:
Making screening more digital and improving data collection to understand who comes forward and who doesn't will help target people who are currently missing appointments but would like to attend. . This is critical, as better access to screening means a better chance of detecting cancer early. ”
Dr Claire Knight, Senior Health Information Manager at CRUK, added: Most people will automatically be tested if they are registered with their GP, but if you are unsure, ask your doctor.
“The screening invitation also includes information about the process, which you should read before deciding whether to attend.
“However, it's important to remember that cancer screenings are for people who don't have symptoms. If you notice any unusual changes, don't wait for an invitation for your next test and talk to your doctor. It's probably not cancer, but if it is, it's more likely to be successfully treated if it's caught early.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Every second counts in the fight against cancer and these numbers show that our screening program is detecting thousands of cases.” said.
“Early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment and save lives, so we urge everyone to take up the offer of screening.
“As part of our transformation plan, we will make the NHS fit for the future and fight cancer on all fronts through prevention, faster diagnosis, treatment and research.”
