The Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce (LSCT) has revealed alarming findings highlighting a critical lack of research funding for common but less survivable cancers. This stark imbalance is contributing to extremely poor outcomes for patients. 

Information, obtained from a series of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, shows that research into the less survivable cancers - those of the brain, liver, lung, oesophagus, pancreas or stomach - receives less than one-fifth (18.92%) of all government-funded cancer research despite them accounting for nearly 40% of all common cancer deaths in the UK. 

This disparity in funding reflects a situation where less survivable cancers receive approximately £130 less in research funding per cancer death compared to the average across all cancers - with some, like oesophageal, receiving as little as £40 per death (compared to an average of £310 across other cancers). 

Over 95,000 people are diagnosed with one of the less survivable cancers in the UK every year and today’s news underscores the urgent need for increased investment into research aimed at improving outcomes for patients.

Figures released by the Taskforce last year found that more than half (58%) of people in England diagnosed with one of the six less survivable cancers will die from their disease within one year. 

The Taskforce is calling on the Government to recognise the scale of this challenge, reconsider current funding models, remove barriers (such as limited access to and lack of awareness of clinical trials) and incentivise research into less survivable cancers. 

Anna Jewell, Chair of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce, said: 

“Today’s findings are a wake-up call. It is unacceptable that less survivable cancers, which account for such a significant proportion of cancer deaths, receive only a fraction of the funding of overall cancer research. We urgently need substantial investment in research for these deadly cancers to discover better detection and treatment methods, ensuring that more lives can be saved."

Bev Dodds, age 66, from Birmingham, lost her father and three other close family members to oesophageal cancer. She was diagnosed with Barrett's oesophagus - a condition that heightens the risk of developing this cancer - 30 years ago and she's passionately campaigning for more research. She said:

"I'm being monitored for oesophageal cancer and it's been devastating to lose so many loved ones to the disease. My dad only lived for six months following his diagnosis. The prognosis for patients is very scary and catching it early is crucial. We desperately need more research into diagnosis and treatments."

Paulette Hamilton MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Less Survivable Cancers, added:

“This data highlights a critical injustice in our health system. Patients suffering from less survivable cancers deserve our attention and investment. We must commit to changing this funding landscape, so that we can offer hope to those affected by these devastating diseases.”

Source: The Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce