The UK has the NHS. In dealing with cancers, time is of the essence in many types. But as Cancer Research UK notes:
Cancer services across the UK are
struggling to meet demand for cancer diagnosis and treatment, resulting
in patients experiencing some of the worst waits on record. With more people being referred for
suspected cancer than ever before, and the number of new cancer cases
per year in the UK rising, it is essential that services have the necessary investment in diagnostic equipment and the NHS workforce. In England, currently only around 54% of
cancers with a known stage are diagnosed early (stages 1 and 2), and we
are not on track to meet NHS England’s ambition for 75% of cancers to be
diagnosed early by 2028. Screening can help prevent cancers developing as well as detect cancers at an early stage, and it is estimated that in the UK over 5,000 lives are saved by the cancer screening programmes each year. However, screening participation varies
across population groups, and in recent years there has been an overall
decline in the uptake of breast and cervical screening. We need to take action to tackle barriers to participation and to ensure everyone eligible who wants to take up the offer of cancer screening can do so.
Namely in Northern Ireland, the occupied territory, only 40% get to see a cancer specialist in 60 days. In the US, a woman with breast cancer will get next day service. That is the difference between life and a horrible death.
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