Health chiefs today welcomed new figures which show death rates in East Anglia for four cancers which account for half of all cancer deaths in the UK have fallen by nearly a quarter in the past 20 years.

The data, released by cancer Research UK, shows combined death rates for breast, bowel, lung and prostate cancer has dropped by 24% in the region and 30% nationally.

The charity believes the figures highlight how research into the disease has had a major impact in recent years in helping to beat it.

A spokeswoman for NHS England in East Anglia said the organisation is committed to improving the earlier diagnosis of cancer and that officials are delighted with the news.

The spokesman added: “We welcome today’s report from Cancer Research UK, which has found that mortality rates in four cancers have fallen by a third in the last twenty years.

“People are now able to benefit from additional screening, and new treatments, which together save thousands of lives every year.

“However, we know that there is more work to do in raising awareness of cancer and its symptoms, and encouraging people to take up the screening when they are offered it by their GP.

“We would urge anyone worried about a specific problem, or otherwise worried about the risks of cancer, to contact their GP.”

Nationally, death rates for breast cancer have fallen by 38%, lung cancer by 27%, bowel cancer by 34% and prostate cancer by 21%.

The figures have also shown that cancer survival in the UK has doubled in the last 40 years and that today, half of those who are diagnosed survive the disease for at least 10 years.

Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: “Research continues to help save lives from cancer, and these figures offer renewed encouragement that progress continues.”

The charity now wants see three in four surviving cancer within the 20 years and is stepping up its efforts to stem lung cancer deaths through earlier diagnosis and treatment trials, as there has been little improvement in the outlook for those diagnosed with that condition.

For information about NHS cancer screening, visit www.nhs.uk