Cancer Survival Rate Improved Among Teens and Young Adults

A report from Cancer Research UK shows that the cancer mortality rate among teens has dropped by nearly 50% in UK. It is estimated that 2,100 young people aged 15-24 years old are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK. The number of cancer deaths in this age group fell from 580 per year between 1975 and 1977 to 300 per year between 2008 and 2010. The survival rate among blood cancer patients improved drastically.

Researchers report that though there is a remarkable decrease in cancer deaths, the incidence of cancer is on rise.

It was also noted that less than 20% of cancer patients in this age group are enrolled into clinical trials. This is due to strict enrollment norms, which restrict young patients. Researchers are often hesitant in giving the adult dosage to teens and young adults due to potential risks.

The authors opine that many clinical trials need to be developed to cover this age group so that teens and young adults can also benefit from new treatment options.

Source-Medindia