Bottom of the cancer league

The NHS debate - Observer special

Survival rates after five years for the three main cancers (per cent)

England
Lung: 7
Breast: 66.7
Colon: 41

Scotland
Lung: 6.1
Breast: 65.0
Colon: 41.1

Austria
Lung: 10.1
Breast: 63.2
Colon: 54.7

France
Lung: 11.5
Breast: 80.3
Colon: 51.8

Germany
Lung: 8.7
Breast: 71.7
Colon: 49.6

Italy
Lung: 8.6
Breast: 76.7
Colon: 46.9

Netherlands
Lung: 11.7
Breast: 74.4
Colon: 58.7

Spain
Lung: 11.9
Breast: 70.4
Colon: 49.5

Sweden
Lung: 8.8
Breast: 80.6
Colon: 51.8

Switzerland
Lung: 10.9
Breast: 79.6
Colon: 52.3

Source: Eurocare 2 Report, World Health Organisation 1999