Why childhood cancer survival rates could be lower in the UK
Difference in tumor stage at diagnosis may explain why survival rates for childhood cancer vary across Europe and, in some cases, are lower in the UK, according to new research.
New research from University College London has found that three-year survival for some types of cancer is strongly linked to the stage of the tumor at diagnosis.
The charity said the research further reinforces that early detection is essential to improve survival rates for children suffering from cancer.
Angela Polanco, whose daughter Bethany was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumour, said: “This study provides clear evidence that we need to do more to ensure that children affected by cancer have access to timely and accurate diagnosis, appropriate primary treatment and specialist care, wherever they live.
“Collecting and analyzing this information at the population level is a crucial step towards reducing inequalities and improving the survival of children with cancer.”
Researchers examined data on nearly 10,000 children diagnosed with six different types of cancer from 23 countries across Europe, as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada and Japan.
The cancers the study investigated were neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, medulloblastoma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma.
In each case, three-year survival rates were correlated with the stage of the tumor at diagnosis.
Researchers have found that children have lower survival rates for Neuroblastoma, a rare cancer affecting children, in the UK and Ireland compared to Central European countries.
They said this could be explained by the fact that Neuroblastoma is diagnosed at a relatively later stage in the UK and Ireland.
According to the Children’s Solving Cancer Foundation, approximately 100 children are diagnosed with Neuroblastoma each year, accounting for approximately 6 percent of diagnoses.
About 90 percent of all cases occur in children under five, and about half of all diagnoses are considered high risk.
Professor Kathy Pritchard-Jones, one of the authors of the study, said: “For the first time, we have provided unbiased, population-level evidence for the subsequent diagnosis of some childhood cancers in the UK and Ireland.
“By analyzing population-level data from cancer registries in many countries, we were able to better understand why childhood cancer survival still varies internationally.
“Our findings show that detecting cancer earlier and accurately assessing how far cancer has spread can make a meaningful difference to the survival of many children. At the same time, the study highlights that early detection alone will not address all inequalities and that more work is needed to understand and tackle other contributing factors.”
Last year, University of Nottingham researchers found that children and young people were having to wait longer than necessary for a diagnosis. The study found that teenagers and children with bone tumors had to wait the longest for diagnosis.
Speaking about UCL’s research, Ashley Ball-Gamble, chief executive of the Children and Young People’s Cancer Trust, said: “This study confirms that diagnosis in the UK for some childhood cancers is still taking longer than it should.
“It is more important than ever to campaign for faster recognition as delays can impact a child’s chances of survival.”
Independent NHS England has been contacted for comment.
