Survival rate for cancer rise

04 February 2010 - 02:00
By Zinhle Mapumulo

AS WE mark World Cancer Day today, experts will be channelling their energy into creating awareness about the number one killer disease.

AS WE mark World Cancer Day today, experts will be channelling their energy into creating awareness about the number one killer disease.

Last year more than 12million people worldwide were diagnosed with cancer, and 7,6million died from the disease .

Despite these figures, survival rates for most forms of cancer have improved, say experts. They believe this is due to improvements in early screening and treatment.

Dr Dominique Stott said: "The main cause of this improvement is primarily due to improved early detection and better forms of treatment."

International statistics show mortality rates have improved over the past 50 years.

The five-year survival rate for breast cancer increased from 60percent to 91percent, while that for prostate cancer had gone up from 43percent to 99,9percent.

The survival rate for malignant melanoma of the skin had improved from 49percent to 92,9percent.