Greater Manchester one of the worst places in England for late cancer diagnosis

Cancer: earlier diagnosis can make a significant difference to survival

Greater Manchester is one of the worst places in England for late cancer diagnosis, according to a study by Cancer Research UK.

With almost half (48%) of cancers found at a late stage in Greater Manchester, only Merseyside (49%) is worse, vital opportunities to diagnose cancer patients earlier and increase their survival chances are being missed.

The areas incorporating Bath, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire, were found to have the best rates of early diagnosis out of the 25 areas in England, with 40% found late.

Cancer Research UK found "unacceptable variation" between different areas after reviewing cases in 2012 and 2013.

It said if all areas were as good as the best, 20,000 cases could have been spotted sooner across the country.

Earlier diagnosis can make a significant difference to survival.

For the eight most common cancers being diagnosed at stage one or two - classed as early diagnosis - means an individual has an 80% chance of surviving at least 10 years compared to 25% when the cancer is found at stages three or four.