Almost three million people received urgent cancer checks in 2023
New research from the NHS England shows that last year was the highest on record for providing urgent cancer checks.
One of the NHS’ main prioritises is urging people to get regular cancer check-ups, so that, should the unfortunate happen, people have a better chance at beating the disease if it is found early.
New research from the national health service has found that their advice is being taken seriously. New analysis has found that last year was the highest on record for providing urgent cancer checks – almost three million people in the UK received cancer checks between November 2022 and October 2023.
An increase in urgent referrals from GPs has been linked to a number of factors which include:
- A rise in cancer rates as the UK population ages
- More people putting off care during the Covid-19 pandemic that are now coming forward
- A wider rise in awareness attributed to publicity campaigns and high-profile cancer cases
A few examples of the latter point include the NHS sending mobile trucks to busy areas including supermarket car parks and shopping centres to check people’s lung health, and new cancer awareness messages being printed in places like pub toilets and underwear packaging.
In addition with the NHS’ goal of catching cancer earlier, the new research has also highlighted a 133% increase in the number of individuals getting checked for cancer over the last 10 years.
Between November 2022 and October 2023, over 2.9 million were seen for urgent cancer exams – an increase of 147,960 people between 2021 and 2022.
Against this backdrop, in October alone, the NHS experienced 269,492 referrals and 192,889 people who received an all-clear or definitive cancer diagnosis. Likewise, between September 2022 and August 2023, 58% of cancers were diagnosed at stage one or two, which is when they are easier to treat.
‘We know there is more to do, but we have been throwing everything we have at catching cancers earlier because we know it’s the best way to save lives,’ Dame Cally Palmer, national cancer director at NHS England said. ‘[…] We are seeing progress with more people than ever before being diagnosed at stage one and two.’
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England national clinical director for cancer, added: ‘Cancer detected at an early stage gives people a much better chance of successful treatment by focusing on early diagnosis and…innovative ways to reach and test people in the community.’
Image: waldryano
