Increase in survival rates in Wales

Newly-published statistics from Public Health Wales show an increase in pancreatic cancer survival rates in Wales.

The 5-year survival rates in Wales have increased from 4.8% in the period 2005 – 2009 to 7.4% in the period 2010 – 2014. The 1-year survival rate has increased from 19.5% to 24.5% in the same period. This is very encouraging news for all those affected by pancreatic cancer.

These statistics are in line with the recent increase published in England, which we reported in July. The data for Scotland has not been released yet.

1-year survival rates

It is particularly pleasing to see a 5.5% increase in survival rates for pancreatic cancer. These results are statistically significant. Which means, without getting too technical, we can say with reasonable confidence that these results are not just down to chance and that we can be more confident that we are seeing a ‘true’ difference.

5-year survival rates

While the increase in five-year survival rates is more modest at 2%, this is still positive news and means dozens more people in Wales are surviving pancreatic cancer and living longer. 

There is still work to be done!

It is welcome news to see that survival rates for pancreatic cancer are finally increasing after stagnating for more than forty years.  While there are successes to celebrate, there is much work to be done for patients today, and for those who will be diagnosed in the coming years. Pancreatic cancer still has the lowest survival rates of the 21 cancer types reported by Public Health Wales.

Cancer Survival Rates in Wales

Source: Source: Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit’s National Cancer Registry www.wcisu.wales.nhs.uk

For significant increases in survival rates to take place, much more needs to be done in terms of focus and investment into pancreatic cancer so we can build on these modest improvements. 

What can we do?

Pancreatic Cancer Action is determined to get more patients diagnosed early and in time for life-saving surgery, by funding research into early diagnosis, educating medical professionals and raising awareness of signs and symptoms .

Take part in Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month this November to help raise vital awareness of pancreatic cancer. We will be meeting with members of parliament, running our Turn It Purple campaign, running symptoms awareness campaigns and fundraising.

To find out more on how to take part in any of these please click here.