UK marks historic win against cancer as death rates hit record low

London: Cancer death rates in the UK have fallen to their lowest level on record, marking nearly three decades of sustained progress against the disease.

New statistics from Cancer Research UK show that between 2022 and 2024, around 247 people per 100,000 died from cancer each year. That compares with a peak of 355 deaths per 100,000 in 1989, representing a decline of nearly 29%.

Researchers credit the long-term drop to decades of investment in cancer research, prevention, and treatment. Major gains have come from improvements in several common cancers over the past ten years.

Stomach cancer deaths have fallen by 34% in the last decade. Lung cancer deaths dropped by 22%, ovarian cancer by 19%, breast cancer by 14%, and prostate cancer by 11%.

Experts say the figures offer encouraging news and point to further progress within reach as prevention efforts, early detection, and new treatments continue to expand.The findings were reported on March 20, 2026, in an article by Ahmed Elbediwy and Nadine Wehida.