Cancer survival rates are higher in Australia than in the UK

Patients diagnosed with cancer in 2014 were more likely to survive in Australia than in the UK across multiple types of cancer. This is despite both countries having similar socio-economic conditions, allocating a comparable amount per person to healthcare, and having a similar share of their populations living with cancer.

For colorectal cancer, 71% of Australian patients survived five years after diagnosis, compared to 60% in the UK.

Lung, liver, and pancreatic cancers, which are among the most aggressive, also had lower survival rates in the UK.

The survival gap was most dramatic for pancreatic cancer patients, where Australia's 14% five-year survival rate was nearly double the UK's 8%.

These survival rates only account for diagnosed patients, meaning early detection and prompt treatment access significantly impact outcomes. Differences in healthcare systems, screening coverage, treatment approaches, and other health risk factors may contribute to the gap.