Recent research reveals that Hull is the second worst city for late cancer diagnoses

Figures published by the Local Democracy Reporting Service show that 26% of cancers in Hull are only diagnosed following an emergency admission to Hospital. The current average in Yorkshire is 20.3%, leaving Hull ashamedly higher.  

In addition to this, three quarters of those diagnosed after an emergency admission were at a late stage by the time they were detected. 

Concerns over these findings have been raised by Yorkshire Cancer Research, with the Director of Research, Dr Stuart Griffiths, stating that; 

 “Early diagnosis is critical to cancer survival as more treatment options are available and there is a better chance of the cancer being successfully treated. We hope the government and the region’s political leaders make early diagnosis a priority so more people in Hull and across Yorkshire have access to life-saving screening services and are supported to come forward with any cancer signs or symptoms”. 

The current NHS Long Term Plan is for 75% of all cancers to be diagnosed at an early stage, a goal they are hoping to achieve by 2028. Despite this, it is predicted that without any further improvement to cancer services, Hull will miss this target by seven years.  

A spokesperson for the NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board stated that they are “working hard to transform the diagnosis, treatment and care for cancer patients in the region”, referring to the local Cancer Alliance’s Awareness and Early Diagnosis programme that pushes for an increase in the public’s engagement with cancer screenings. 

Despite the findings, hope is not yet lost for those receiving cancer treatment in Hull. Data collected from a 12-month rolling Rapid Cancer Registration shows an increasing trend in early diagnosis– from 50% in January 2021, increasing to 58% by October 2023. 

Read the full story here; https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3w62d452p1o  

If you or a loved one has suffered a misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis or treatment of cancer, please contact our Clinical Negligence Department on 01482 323697, who have the skills, knowledge and experience to assist.