How does poverty increase the risk of cancer and death?

A new study has revealed that people in the most deprived areas of the UK face a 60 per cent higher risk of dying from cancer than their counterparts in more affluent areas, and that the poorest people are more than 50 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer after an emergency visit to the accident and emergency department than their wealthier counterparts.

A new report from Cancer Research UK has found that more than 28,000 extra cancer deaths a year are linked to social deprivation, and people living in the poorest areas are up to a third more likely to wait more than 104 days to start treatment, despite having an urgent referral.

The study also showed that people from the most deprived groups tend not to participate in national screening programmes, and that their chances of accessing advanced treatment programmes are half those of those from the least deprived groups.

Although cancer care has improved markedly over the past decades, with more cancers being detected at earlier, more treatable stages than ever before last year, new research reveals significant disparities in the level of care provided.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Ian Walker, executive director of policy and information at Cancer Research UK, said: “We believe that access to treatment and outcomes should be the same for everyone, regardless of where they live or income. “No one should be more likely to die from this devastating disease simply because of where they live. These figures are shocking, unacceptable and, most importantly, avoidable.”

Health Minister Wes Streeting, who recovered from kidney cancer and is currently overseeing the development of a new national cancer plan this year, stressed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Source: Independent