Deadly Cancers Receive Only 18.9% of Research Funding, Study Reveals

Research into some of the most lethal common cancers is significantly underfunded, receiving less than 18.9% of total government cancer research funding. These cancers, which include brain, liver, lung, oesophagus, pancreas, and stomach cancers, account for nearly 40% of cancer-related deaths, according to data obtained by the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce (LSCT) through a Freedom of Information request.

The statistics reveal a stark funding disparity. Each of these six cancers receives approximately £130 less in research funding per death compared to the average across all cancers. For instance, oesophageal cancer garnered as little as £40 per death, while the average for all cancers stands at £310. The LSCT is highlighting this imbalance to underscore its impact on patient outcomes and is urging the government to revise its funding strategies.

Call for Increased Investment in Cancer Research

Lorraine Dallas, chair of the LSCT Scotland group, emphasized the need for urgent action to address this issue. “Improving Scotland’s overall cancer survival rates hinges on targeting less survivable cancers, and this data underlines the critical need for urgent action,” Dallas stated.

Scotland has pioneered initiatives aimed at early diagnosis and improved surveillance. However, Dallas believes there is still much more to be done. She called on the next Scottish Government to commit to bridging the research gap to ensure equitable chances of survival for all cancer patients.

The LSCT has identified barriers that hinder research progress, including limited access to clinical trials and a lack of awareness. The organization argues that increasing investment in research focused on these less survivable cancers is essential for improving patient outcomes. In the UK, more than 95,000 individuals are diagnosed annually with one of these cancers. Alarmingly, data from last year revealed that over half (61%) of patients diagnosed will not survive beyond one year.

Personal Stories Highlight the Urgency for Change

The personal experiences of those affected by these cancers underscore the urgent need for improved research and funding. Amy McNamara, a 30-year-old from Bathgate, was diagnosed with a high-grade brain tumour called an astrocytoma in July 2023. This diagnosis was particularly devastating for her, as she had previously lost two family friends to similar conditions.

After undergoing surgery and enduring months of rigorous treatment, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy, McNamara is now under active surveillance with three-monthly scans. She expressed her concerns, saying, “Although I’m so glad most of my tumour was removed, it’s tough to know that some of it was, and is, still here.”

McNamara highlighted the pressing need for more research into brain tumours, pointing to the alarming statistics affecting individuals and their families. She remarked, “As much as current treatments can help, there should be much more effort put into trying to find effective new medications and reduce the pain, as well as trying to catch brain tumours earlier to allow people to still live their lives.”

The LSCT is hosting an event for Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) at Holyrood today as part of Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Week. Dame Jackie Baillie, Labour’s health spokesperson, stated, “So many of us have loved ones who have had their lives cut short due to one of the less survivable cancers. If we’re going to improve outcomes for people diagnosed with these devastating diseases, then we must prioritise research into improving diagnosis and treatments that can truly make a difference.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment regarding this pressing issue, as advocates continue to push for increased funding and attention to less survivable cancers. The LSCT’s findings serve as a vital reminder of the need for equitable research funding that matches the severity and impact of these cancers on the population.