According to a new study published online before print in Lancet Oncology on July 17, 2008, the probability of surviving cancer varies depending on which country you live in. Your odds of cancer survival even vary by your state of residence.

There are significant variations in cancer survival around the world which may be attributed, in part, to economic differences, access to healthcare, and availability of particular cancer treatments. Using survival data from 1.9 million cancer patients in 31 countries, an international team of researchers found that the 5-year relative survival rates for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer were higher in North America, Australia, Japan, and most of Europe, and lower in Algeria, Brazil, and eastern Europe. There were also disparities in cancer survival among different U.S. cities or states, with New York having the lowest overall survival rates and Hawaii having the best. Seattle, Washington had the best survival rates for prostate cancer, and the state of Idaho had the highest survival rates for rectal cancer in men. The investigators also found that, within the United States, there were racial disparities in cancer survival, with 7-14% higher survival among white patients than black patients. The investigators attributed these differences to the stages at which the cancers are diagnosed.

The lead investigator of the study felt that these differences in cancer survival were directly related to access to healthcare and the overall effectiveness of health services, rather than to the relative competence of doctors in different cities or countries. The findings of this study seem to support the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment. Perhaps the findings of this study will encourage increased efforts around the world to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.