New analysis reveals far more women in England develop metastatic breast cancer than official counts show
Researchers estimate that around 10,000 women in England develop advanced breast cancer each year, far exceeding the 2,200 diagnosed at stage 4.
An analysis of 2022 cancer records by Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS England's National Disease Registration Service indicates that roughly 10,000 women in England develop metastatic breast cancer each year, a figure far higher than the 2,200 newly diagnosed at stage 4. Presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology conference in Madrid, the study shows the average age at onset of metastatic disease is 61 and that 52% of patients live with the condition for at least two years.
Claire Taylor of Macmillan described the findings as a "wake-up call" highlighting that many patients are invisible in official statistics, risking inadequate service planning. Claire Rowney of Breast Cancer Now echoed the call for better data to ensure appropriate treatment, care and funding. The researchers argue that improved data linkage is essential to identify unmet needs and reduce variation in care across the NHS.
Why it matters
Accurate counts of metastatic breast cancer are needed to plan services, funding and research for thousands of women affected.
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