Cancer Research UK, a cancer charity has criticized the shocking postcode lottery, which means sufferers in certain parts of the country have a far less chance of survival, saying there is no excuse for the differences and calling for urgent government action.

The Department of Health releasing its second annual cancer reform strategy report, shows a lung cancer patient in Herefordshire diagnosed with lung cancer, was three times more likely to die within a year of the diagnosis, than say a patient in Kensington or Chelsea.

As well, the report also highlights the fact that almost all Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in UK have failed to match Europe’s best cancer survival rates.

According to the report on lung cancer, Kensington & Chelsea had the best one-year survival rate (43.7%) Herefordshire (15.4%) the worst, and the national average stood at 28.1%. For bowel cancer, Telford and Wrekin had a one-year survival of 80%, however, Waltham Forest had just 57.9%, with 79% the international good practice level. For breast cancer Torbay had a one-year survival of 99% and Tower Hamlets just 89%.

Harpal Kumar, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said: ‘These shocking statistics confirm that the cancer postcode lottery remains a real problem. Patients are undoubtedly not being diagnosed early enough in large parts of the country, nor are they getting equal access to the best treatments, such as surgery for lung cancer.’

The report also showed 78% of girls aged 12-13 years had been vaccinated against cervical cancer, which vaccine is estimated to save about 400-lives each year.