Late-stage cancer diagnoses hit 100,000 to leave England trailing Europe in survival rates

LATE-stage cancer diagnoses have hit 100,000 in England to leave it lagging behind Europe in survival rates, stats show.

Data from NHS England shows the UK now lags Germany and France in cancer survival rates.

The Institute for Public Policy Research estimates 180,000 lives could’ve been saved since 2010 if Britain kept pace with European early diagnoses.

NHS data also shows in 2010 only six patients across England waited 13 weeks for a potentially lifesaving MRI or CT scan.

But as of October this year 29,000 patients have been waiting for the same procedures.

Meanwhile, 1.158 million patients are waiting for NHS tests used to spot cancer.

Labour last night pledged to double the number of MRI and CT scanners and boost screening appointments by two million.

Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Catching cancer early saves lives - I know because that’s what saved mine.

“Cancer is the canary in the coalmine. It is often the sign that things are going wrong in the NHS.

“After the first term of a Labour government, people should judge us by whether we have improved cancer services and improved survival rates.”