Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Week
Monday 13th January to Friday 17th January 2025
Guts UK is a founding charity member of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce (LSCT).
We help to raise vital awareness for the less survivable cancers – four of which are digestive cancers – and we fund life-changing research into these cancers.
What is the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce (LSCT)?
The Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce (LSCT) represents the less survivable cancers – these are cancers of the stomach, liver, pancreas, oesophagus, lung and brain, all of which have a five-year survival rate of less than 20%. Following decades of underfunding, these cancers account for more than 42% of cancer deaths in the UK each year.
The Taskforce was set up by a group of charities aiming to double survival rates of the six less survivable cancers by 2029. Together, we call for these cancers to be prioritised in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each of the charities involved supports patients who have these types of cancer, and we have joined forces to improve the outcomes and experiences of those diagnosed with a less survivable cancer in the UK.
The LSCT is made up of the following six charities: Action Against Heartburn, The Brain Tumour Charity, The British Liver Trust, Guts UK, Pancreatic Cancer UK and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
Our aim is to close the deadly cancer gap and raise five-year survival rates to 28% by 2029, potentially saving an extra 10,000 lives a year.
What are the less survivable cancers?
The following cancers have an average five-year survival rate of just 16%:
- Stomach
- Oesophageal
- Liver
- Pancreatic
- Brain
- Lung
What makes these cancers less survivable?
Unfortunately, these cancers are difficult to diagnose and have been neglected and underfunded for decades. Screening and programmes are limited or non-existent, and most of the general public have a dangerously low awareness of symptoms. For example, only 2% of people can identify the symptoms of oesophageal cancer and over 20% of oesophageal cancer cases are being diagnosed in emergency settings such as A&E. Unfortunately, at this stage, the cancer has often progressed to a later stage and is therefore harder to treat.
Why is it important to raise awareness of the less survival cancers?
Since 1971, survival for some cancers has improved by up to 87% due to increased public awareness, increased funding, research breakthroughs and enhanced treatment methods. The LSCT wants to set the less survivable cancers on the same path. As with any cancer, early diagnosis is paramount for the best chance of survival. Shockingly, the less survivable cancers account for almost half of all the cancer deaths in the UK.
Throughout the year, the LSCT works hard to change government policies to make these cancers a UK priority.
We meet with MPs nationwide to highlight the discrepancy in survival rates for these cancers and call for action. We amplify the voices and share the experiences of people living with and affected by these cancers. We raise awareness of these cancers in the media, reaching millions of people and raising awareness of the symptoms people should look out for.
Together, we must continue to share people’s stories and make the symptoms of less survivable cancers more well known so people know what to look out for and when to seek help. We must and we will do better.
What is the focus for 2025’s Less Survivable Cancers Week?
The campaign has previously been held on one day (11th January each year) but we know that one day isn’t enough to campaign for change.
In 2025, we’re starting the year off with a week-long awareness campaign that shines a spotlight on the devastating impact that these cancers can have on those who are diagnosed, and their loved ones. We’ll be highlighting the vital change needed when it comes to prioritising these cancers across the UK.
What has the focus of previous Less Survivable Cancers awareness campaigns been?
Together, let’s look back at the past three years of the crucial campaigns headed by the LSCT:
Less Survivable Cancers Day 2024
11th January 2024 saw the release of findings based on world survival rates of these less survivable cancers. UK survival rates rank among the worst in the world.
Out of 33 countries, that are comparable to the UK in wealth and income levels, the UK ranks:
- 28th for stomach and lung cancer
- 26th for pancreatic cancer
- For brain cancer: 25th
- For liver cancer: 21st
- For oesophageal cancer: 16th
Over 90,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with one of the less survivable cancers each year and make up nearly half of all the common cancer deaths in the UK annually. If those diagnosed in the UK survived at the same rate as some of the highest surviving countries, over 8,000 lives would be saved annually.
Less Survivable Cancers Day 2023
11th January 2023’s awareness day highlighted the critical importance of symptom awareness in improving survival and quality of life for people diagnosed with the less survivable cancers.
A UK-wide survey carried out by the LSCT and released today has found that awareness of the symptoms of these deadliest cancers is dangerously low across the country. Only 1% of respondents were able to correctly identify all symptoms of liver cancer from a list presented to them. Symptom awareness for oesophageal cancer stood at just 2% and stomach cancers at 3%.
Less Survivable Cancers Day 2022
The 11th January 2022 saw the first ever Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Day.
NHS data from 2021 showed that the six less survivable cancers are far more likely to be diagnosed in emergency settings, such as A&E, when the cancers tend to be at a later, more advanced stage. Diagnosing these cancers as early as possible is crucial for increasing the survival rate.
While 2.7% of breast cancer cases and 7.8% of prostate cancer cases were diagnosed in an emergency setting, the figures were far higher for the Less Survivable Cancers. 30.2% of stomach cancer cases were diagnosed as an emergency, rising even higher to 53% for pancreatic cancer.
Cheryle’s story – oesophageal cancer
Cheryle’s symptoms started in April 2022. She experienced reflux and indigestion and was prescribed medication to reduce the amount of acid her stomach made. Her symptoms went away until six months later. She experienced pain when swallowing and general chest pain, and by November, it was very difficult for her to swallow certain foods. Fast forward to 6th December 2022, Cheryle received her oesophageal cancer diagnosis.
Ross’ story – hereditary stomach cancer
In 2015, Ross’ auntie was diagnosed with stomach cancer and sadly passed away in 2017. His mum was also checked for CDH1 (the stomach cancer gene) and was diagnosed with stomach cancer. She received chemotherapy and surgery to remove her stomach (a gastrectomy). After tests, Ross, and some of his other family members, found out that they also carried the CHD1 gene. In 2018, Ross had a gastrectomy. When he received the pathology results from his removed stomach, 64 pre-cancerous cells had been found.
Where can I find more information on the less survivable cancers?
Our evidence-based patient information section has information on:
The following organisations, whom are part of thee LSCT, have information:
- Action Against Heartburn – Oesophageal cancer information
- Pancreatic Cancer UK – Pancreatic cancer information
- Liver Cancer UK (Part of The British Liver Trust) – Liver Cancer
- The Brain Tumour Charity – Brain cancer information
- The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation – Lung cancer information
How can I help?
You can help us raise vital awareness for the less survivable cancers by:
- Following us on social media and sharing our awareness and information posts during the week itself. You never know who we might reach and help together. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter/X.
- Share your own experience, or a loved ones experience with a less survivable cancer to your own circles, and on your own social media channels. To submit your interest in sharing your story or a loved one’s, please fill in and submit this form.
- Fundraise for Guts UK Charity to help us abolish the taboos surrounding digestive health, and get to grips with guts. You can fund life-changing research, and empower people to seek help sooner.
- Donate £5 per month to Guts UK Charity. For the price of a cuppa for you and a friend, you can change and save lives.
What do we do at Guts UK?
Guts UK is the charity for the digestive system from top to tail: the gut, liver and pancreas.
Our mission at Guts UK is to:
- Provide expert information: We believe that information is power. When armed with the right information, patients can take control of their health and make informed decisions.
- Raise public awareness: Our research shows that 58% of people are embarrassed to talk about their digestive condition or symptoms and 51% of people delay seeking advice for their symptoms for over 6 months. We empower people to speak up and seek help.
- Fund life-changing, life-saving research: We are the only UK charity funding research into this misunderstood and underfunded area of health. It’s time the UK got to grips with guts.
