Oldham’s NHS bosses have hailed a ‘positive’ decrease in the proportion of people receiving an emergency diagnosis for cancer.

According to NHS figures released last month, just 15 per cent of cancer diagnoses in Oldham from January 2022 to September 2022 were first presented to the health system as an emergency.

It’s the lowest rate in the borough since 2010, the earliest year the NHS data goes back to.

Back in 2010, more than a quarter of the borough’s cancer diagnoses were through the emergency route.

According to the charity Cancer Research UK, those diagnosed with cancer via an emergency route are more likely to have poor survival, even when you take into account the fact they are also more likely to be diagnosed at a late stage.

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Those diagnosed with cancer through other routes like cancer screening are more likely to have early-stage disease and a higher survival rate, according to the charity.

Oldham’s NHS bosses have welcomed the news.

Dr John Patterson, chief clinical officer for NHS Oldham Integrated Care Partnership said:  “It’s positive to see that there has been a drop in the proportion of people receiving an emergency diagnosis for cancer.

“Early diagnosis is a major focus for NHS Oldham Integrated Care Partnership, because we know that the earlier cancer is found, the better the outcome of treatment.

“We are working in partnership across the locality to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and encourage earlier presentation and advice seeking. This has included supporting initiatives to improve access to, and uptake of the NHS bowel, breast and cervical cancer screening programmes. 

“In addition, full roll-out and implementation of the Faecal Immunochemical Test has been undertaken for patients presenting to GPs with suspected colon cancer symptoms. 

“The new development of the Oldham Community Diagnostic Centre at Royton will help even more people diagnose disease at an earlier stage and improve the chances of successful treatment for patients.

“This one-stop-shop for cancer checks, scans, and tests, provides a wide range of diagnostic imaging technology, heart and lung tests and blood tests.

“We encourage everyone to make use of all their screening opportunities and to contact their local GP if they have any symptoms concerning them. To find key cancer symptoms visit NHS.UK.”