There are currently around 400,000 people in England who have survived cancer between ten and 20 years after diagnosis, according to new research by Macmillan Cancer Support and the National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN).

This study looks at the number of cancer survivors in England in more detail than ever before.

The emerging research was presented at the NCIN Cancer Outcomes conference in Brighton.

The findings show that a similar number of men and women survive the early years after diagnosis, however a gap between the sexes widens over time.

Amongst those alive between ten and 20 years after diagnosis, there are almost twice as many women than men (around 260,000 compared with 140,000).

The reasons for this gender gap will be explored further in the next stage of the study.

The charity warned last week that though more people are surviving cancer, they are not necessarily living well. There is growing evidence that many do not return to full health after gruelling treatments and the serious side effects of the disease.

Susan Winter, 69 from Essex, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and has since had problems with lymphoedema as a consequence of her breast cancer operation. She says:

“My GP was very sympathetic and supported me through my treatment, but he admitted he had no idea what to do about my lymphoedema and what to suggest next. I also found that nurses at the hospital weren’t aware of it, with one even asking me if I had burned my arm.

“It gradually got worse and my arm was hugely swollen – I found this very upsetting as I couldn’t fit clothes properly because of my arm. If I hadn’t had family and friends nearby I would have felt very isolated, as I couldn’t drive when my arm was bad. It took me quite a long time to get the right treatment, and I still have problems with it to this day.”

Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, says:

“Whilst this is cause for celebration that more people are surviving cancer, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. The more successful we are with treatment and cure, the more people there will be living with the long-term effects of cancer and its treatment.

“By 2020 almost half the population in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, so we need to tackle the under-treatment of its long-term effects now. No one should be left to face the consequences of their cancer alone. Specialist services must be commissioned and more support given to GPs so they can identify the needs of cancer survivors and deliver personalised care in the community.”

Source: Macmillan