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Late diagnosis of cancer, often when it’s too late for effective treatment, has emerged as a significant concern for nearly 70% of people in the UK, according to a recent public poll.
The survey, conducted by a team from the University of Cambridge, included 2,000 participants and revealed that two-thirds of respondents ranked cancer as their top health worry, surpassing fears of dementia, terrorism, crime, and nuclear war.
Among the respondents, 70% cited late diagnosis as their primary concern regarding cancer. This was followed by worries about the impact on family and loved ones (52%), access to appropriate treatment (41%), and the side effects of treatments (36%).
“People are worried that treatments won’t work or that the side effects will be severe, but they are also deeply concerned about what their diagnosis will mean for their family,” explained Professor Richard Gilbertson, Director of the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre at the University.
The fear and uncertainty surrounding cancer are pervasive. When asked about desired technological advancements, 55% of respondents indicated that they would most like to see the development of methods to detect and treat cancer early enough to prevent deaths. This priority was followed by eradicating poverty, which garnered 23% support.
Interestingly, there was also strong support for the integration of artificial intelligence in the treatment process, with only 8% of respondents expressing disagreement. This support reflects a growing public trust in the potential of AI to collaborate with medical professionals, enhancing treatment accuracy and efficiency while reducing costs.
The findings highlight the urgent need for advancements in early cancer detection and treatment. As the public places significant hope in technological innovations, the medical community is encouraged to continue pushing the boundaries of cancer research and treatment methodologies.
