Breast cancer survival is lower in the UK and Denmark than in Australia, Canada, Norway and Sweden, according to new research being published in the British Journal of Cancer today.

Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s director of early diagnosis, said: “International comparisons like this are vital in helping us better understand what is influencing cancer survival. We’re beginning to see some important clues now, but while we’re closing the survival gap for breast cancer UK women continue to fare worse than in these other countries. "

She added: "We know that UK women diagnosed with breast cancer are not routinely given CT scans to check if the disease has spread, which could mean we aren’t always accurately staging more advanced disease. But we also need to investigate the possibility that fewer women with later stage breast cancer in the UK receive the best treatment for their circumstances. It’s vital for women to understand that their breast cancer risk continues to increase the older they get. Diagnosing and treating the disease earlier is key to improving outcomes for women and we must ensure this is a reality for all.”