Child cancer survival rate rises

The number of cancer cases has increased

The number of children in Scotland surviving cancer has increased dramatically over the last 25 years.

Figures published by NHS Scotland's Information Statistics Division showed that childhood cancer cases increased by 22% between 1975/79 and 1995/99.

But the mortality rate fell by 47% and the percentage surviving for five years or more rose from 50% to 76%.

Dr Mac Armstrong, the chief medical officer, said this figure compared favourably with the best in the world.

"Speedy diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening diseases, like cancer, continue to be a key priority for the Scottish Executive and NHSScotland," he said.

Earlier diagnosis and new and improved treatments are leading to consistent and sustained improvements in mortality Dr Mac Armstrong Chief medical officer

"I welcome publication of these figures which show that major improvements have been made over the last 25 years, in particular the 26% increase in five year survival rates. Scotland compares favourably with the best internationally."

He stressed that childhood cancer remained relatively rare, with about 120 new cases being diagnosed each year.

"While the incidence of cancer overall is projected to continue to rise, earlier diagnosis and new and improved treatments are leading to consistent and sustained improvements in mortality," he said.

The figures published on Thursday cover children up to the age of 14.

Between the period 1975 to 1979 and 1995 to 1999 the annual rate of all childhood cancers increased from 108 to 132 per million children.

More common

Over the same period mortality fell from 53 to 28 per million children each year.

Cancers of the blood and lymphatic system accounted for about 44% of all childhood cancers, with leukaemia and central nervous system tumours the most common.

Childhood cancer is more common in boys than in girls.

An international comparison suggested that the survival rate in Scotland is higher than that in England, Wales, Hungary and Spain.