Breast cancer survival rate among worst

THE first global study of cancer rates has found that Ireland has one of the worst survival rates for breast cancer with countries like the US, Canada and Sweden offering the best hope of survival for women.

The research, conducted by 100 scientists over five continents, has revealed huge variations in cancer survival rates across the world. The US, Australia, Canada, France and Japan have the highest five-year survival rates while Algeria had the worst.

The researchers, who published their work in the Lancet Oncology Journal, said that the amount spent on healthcare was an important factor in the differences between countries, with greater investment meaning faster access to diagnostics and treatment.