Revealed: The top 10 places in the UK you are most or least likely to die following cancer diagnosis

A charity has revealed the best and worst places to live for cancer patients.

17:14 15 August 2014

A study conducted by Macmillan Cancer Support has found that up to 6,000 people with cancer are dying early due to variations in care around the country.

Based on their analysis, the percentage of people dying within a year of being diagnosed with cancer is 61per cent higher in the worst-performing local health area compared with the best in England.

The charity revealed that while only one in four cancer patients die in North East Hampshire and Farnham, four in 10 cancer patients in Barking and Dagenham die within just 12 months following diagnosis.

Juliet Bouverie, director of services and influencing at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “This analysis shows an inexcusable postcode lottery which is responsible for 6,000 people dying needlessly within 12 months of being diagnosed with cancer every year. It’s a no-brainer – when patients have to wait longer for diagnosis and treatment their chances of surviving are significantly reduced.

“It is also a disgrace that our survival rates continue to lag behind other European countries. Failure to act now will see us fall further behind. All the Westminster political parties must make cancer a top health priority ahead of the general election and commit to reducing the number of people who are diagnosed late.”

The top 10 BEST places for cancer patients to live in

• North East Hampshire and Farnham (24%)
• Central London – Westminster (27%)
• Richmond (28%)
• Barnet (28%)
• Leeds North (29%)
• West Hampshire (29%)
• South Devon and Torbay (29%)
• Surrey Heath (29%)
• Stockport (29%)
• Dorset (29%)

The top 10 WORST places for cancer patients to live in
 
• Barking and Dagenham (38%)
• Crawley (38%)
• Newham (38%)
• Swale (38%)
• Vale Royal (38%)
• Thanet (38%)
• Medway (37%)
• Waltham Forest (36%)
• Telford and Wrekin (36%)
• Luton (36%)