New data from Public Health England (PHE) illustrates how the way that cancer patients are diagnosed may affect their treatment options.

The national data links individual patients’ route to diagnosis, including screening, GP referrals, and emergency presentations, with the treatment patients go on to receive.

Those diagnosed through screening were likely to have the most treatment options available and receive treatments aimed at curing the cancer, in particular surgery to completely remove the tumour. This strongly supports the benefits of screening as a way of diagnosing cancer early, which evidence suggests leads to better patient outcomes, ultimately saving lives.

Compared to patients who were diagnosed through an emergency presentation, those diagnosed through screening, GP referral, or following an urgent 2-week referral saw more potentially curative treatment.

While the percentage of cancers diagnosed through emergency presentations is improving – falling from 24% in 2006 to 20% in 2015 – the data shows 44% of breast, colon and rectal cancer patients diagnosed in this way may miss out on potentially curative treatments compared to those who are detected through a screening programme.

Dr Jem Rashbass, cancer lead at Public Health England said:

This new data allows us to see clearly how the route through which someone is diagnosed with cancer affects the treatment that they go on to receive. It reinforces the importance of early diagnosis, be that through screening or GP referral – the earlier you get diagnosed with cancer the better.

It’s important to be aware of any unexplained changes to your body, such as the sudden appearance of a lump, blood in your urine, or a change to your usual bowel habits. If you have any concerns, always speak to your GP.

The latest data publication builds on the knowledge of PHE’s national cancer registry. It follows the recent release of data published in partnership with Cancer Research UK that shows how chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery rates vary for different groups of patients in England. The cancer data service has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China’s cancer services to support the development of a national cancer database in China, continuing the service’s reputation as the leading cancer database in the world.

PHE’s Be Clear on Cancer campaign continues to drive awareness around key symptoms; encouraging everyone to think, act and treat early.

After a successful pilot operation and with training now across two sites, Nkhotakota and Majete Wildlife Reserves, both are managed by African Parks in partnership with Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW). The troops long-term goal will ensure the rangers are better skilled and able to respond appropriately to the threat of poaching.

Poaching and the illegal wildlife trade are responsible for the loss of countless species and are driving the decline of many African animals including elephants, rhinos and lions.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

We can be incredibly proud of the important work our Armed Forces are doing to help protect the magnificent animals of Malawi and to bring about the end of the cruel practice of illegal wildlife trading. By passing on their world-class, tried and tested skills, we can be sure that UK troops are aiding a highly skilled and professional network of park rangers, one that can effectively combat the threat poachers pose to the African wildlife.

While British soldiers are working with rangers to support the protection of wildlife, the Department for International Development is working with poorer communities who live close to wildlife reserves to create job opportunities and improve vital services.

Foreign Office Minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin visited communities living on the edge of Majete Wildlife Reserve where she announced an additional £1 million of UK aid support to improve the lives of people living next to national parks.

Minster for Africa Harriett Baldwin said:

The UK is acting now to stamp out the illegal wildlife trade, which not only threatens the existence of some of our most precious species, but also inflicts damage on local communities and fuels corruption and crime which hold back development for some of the world’s poorest countries.

By bringing together our diplomatic, military and development support we’re helping countries like Malawi combat this crime, and also helping local people to benefit from living alongside these beautiful species, which is boosting economic growth and stability.

The increase in the UK Armed Forces’ support to Malawi has been funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (DEFRA) as part of a three-year plan agreed by the Ministry of Defence and DEFRA.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said:

Wildlife crime does not respect borders so we must share skills and expertise worldwide. The Malawi enforcement project demonstrates the global leadership we set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan. We are introducing one of the world’s toughest bans on ivory sales and will host the next international Illegal Wildlife Trade conference in London later this year.

The Government of Malawi has taken an effective and proactive approach to combating the illegal wildlife trade in their country, enhancing penalties for wildlife crime and partnering with African Parks and the UK Government to drastically reduce poaching activity and secure its parks for the benefit of future generations.

The CEO of African Parks, Peter Fearnhead said:

The Malawian Government has shown great leadership and commitment in conserving its parks, where together we’ve recruited, trained and outfitted rangers to establish robust law enforcement teams utilising technology and community engagement to secure the landscapes.

Effective park management, including law enforcement and community development, is essential in protecting the last of the wild and combatting the illegal wildlife trade at its source. The partnership with the UK Government importantly advances our ability to ensure that these increasingly threatened areas continue to function as critical sanctuaries benefitting millions of people and animals across Africa.

To help those miles flow as smoothly as possible, teams from Highways England are working around the clock to remove more than 300 miles of roadworks – meaning more than 97 per cent of motorways and major A roads will be roadworks-free for the last weekend of the month.

Highways England’s customer service director, Melanie Clarke, said:

We’re doing everything we can to make journeys as smooth as possible for this August getaway and that’s why we’re keeping more than 97 per cent of the road network we manage, free from roadworks.

We’d remind people about the importance of checking their vehicle before setting off and simple things like checking fuel and oil levels, tyre pressure and that all the lights work properly, can keep you moving and the network flowing.

Where it is safe to do so, roadworks will be lifted or suspended on England’s motorways and major A-roads from 6am Friday 24 August until 12.01am on Tuesday 28 August.

Highways England traffic officers will be working around the clock, patrolling the network to help those people who do get into difficulty.

And to help ensure road users get to their destinations safely, Highways England is once again calling on motorists to check their vehicles before setting off.

Research shows almost half of all breakdowns are caused by simple mechanical problems which could be avoided with simple checks and nearly a quarter are caused by tyre problems.

Before they set off, Highways England is urging motorists to:

• check fuel: make sure you have enough to get to your destination
• check tyres: check your tyre pressure and the condition of your tyres, including the spare. Look out for cuts or wear and make sure the tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit
• check engine oil: use your dipstick to check oil before any long journey, and top up if needed – take your car back to the garage if you’re topping up more than usual
• check water: to ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screen wash topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen
• check your lights: if your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights are not functioning properly, you are putting yourself at risk. In addition, light malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MOT

It is also advising anyone towing a caravan, boat, horse box or trailer to take some simple steps to ensure a trouble-free journey, including:

• carry out a final maintenance check before setting off, and leave plenty of time for your journey
• be aware that driving while towing will inevitably affect the vehicle’s performance, especially braking distances
• check that the vehicle and load are secure and the weight is correctly distributed in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications
• make sure you are adequately covered for recovery and breakdown
• know the correct speed limit for your vehicle and the roads you travel on, and don’t drive faster than the speed limit for the type of road
• towing mirrors not only allow you to view to the rear, in most cases they are a legal requirement when towing a wider trailer
• driving licences place restrictions on the trailers that you can tow, you may need to take a further test to progress to towing larger trailers
• if your caravan or trailer starts to snake or swerve, it’s a sign you’re going too fast or the trailer is loaded incorrectly. Ease off the accelerator and reduce your speed gently
• don’t brake harshly on a bend, as it makes the trailer unstable. Reduce your speed in plenty of time for any hazard
• you shouldn’t drive in the right hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes

Highways England also has a series of specialist videos online to help people carry out basic vehicle checks before they set off on their travels. The videos can be viewed on the Think! website.

Highways England is also urging drivers to stay safe this August by adhering to motorway signage.

If you are driving through roadworks on a smart motorway, look out for one of the most important signals – the Red X. When displayed it will identity when a lane is closed and indicates that drivers should move into an open lane to continue their journeys. Driving in a closed lane is unsafe, as there could be debris in the road or an accident or breakdown up ahead. Keeping the lane clear gives the emergency services the access they need to help. Visit the website for further advice on how to drive on a smart motorway.

Drivers planning to use the Dartford Crossing are reminded to pay Dart Charge in advance or by midnight the day after crossing.

Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available. More information can be found by calling the Highways England Customer Contact Centre (0300 123 5000).

For more detailed information on how to carry out your vehicle checks, visit the Think! website.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.