Survival rates for cancers of the bowel, breast, lung and ovary that were diagnosed between 1995 and 2007 were compared between Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the UK. Overall, survival rates improved in all six countries. However, survival was found to be “persistently lower” in Denmark, England, Northern Ireland and Wales. This was particularly the case after the first year of diagnosis and for patients aged 65 and over. In UK cancer survival rates have improved significantly. Breast cancer survival at five years, for example, increased from 74.8% in 1995-9, to 81.6% in 2005-7. Despite this, the UK still has the lowest breast cancer survival rate at five years.
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