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A study of differences in cancer survival between the UK and other high-income countries found:
- For lung, breast, bowel and ovarian cancers diagnosed between 1995 and 2007, Australia, Canada, Sweden and Norway had the best survival rates.
- Denmark and the UK had the lowest, despite all the countries having similarly good cancer registration systems and access to health care.
- One year survival for people with lung cancer was 30% in the UK compared with 44% in Sweden.
Researchers surveyed 19,079 men and women aged 50 and older.
British stoicism could be putting people in mortal danger from cancer, a study of differences in cancer survival between the UK and other high-income countries.
The UK's 'stiff upper lip' could be putting Britons in increased danger from cancer, according to researchers.
A study by international experts suggests that British stoicism may help explain differences in cancer survival between the UK and other high-income countries.
People in Britain were said to be more likely than others to avoid bothering their doctor over symptoms they find embarrassing and time-wasting.
As a result, cancer sufferers were less likely to be treated at an early stage when there is a greater chance of a cure.