The figures from the National Bowel Cancer Audit (NBOCA) and the National Prostate Cancer Audit (NPCA) were published by the National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre (NATCAN).

They show the three-year prostate cancer-specific mortality rate fell from 44.6% among men diagnosed in 2015 to 35.1% among those diagnosed in 2022 driven primarily by more men being diagnosed at an earlier stage.

Bowel cancer figures also revealed two-year survival following major bowel cancer surgery has improved in recent years reflecting improvements in care across the whole patient journey.

However, both audits revealed geographical variation in access to care and differences and how people are diagnosed and treated.

Nicola Fearnheard, council member at the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) and clinical co-lead of the National Bowel Cancer Audit, said: ‘These latest results show encouraging progress in bowel cancer care, with more people surviving following major surgery than in recent years. 

‘However, significant differences remain in how people are diagnosed and treated. Everyone should benefit from high-quality care throughout their cancer journey, and continued efforts are needed to reduce variation and improve outcomes across the country.'

Tim Lane, president of RCS England and consultant urological surgeon, said: ‘These findings show real progress. Men with advanced prostate cancer are living longer, reflecting significant advances in treatment and care over recent years. 

‘But the report also highlights the challenges ahead. Rising numbers of diagnoses and improvements in survival mean more men will require specialist treatment, surveillance and long-term follow-up.  

 ‘The NHS must have the workforce, capacity and infrastructure needed to meet this growing demand and ensure patients continue to receive timely, high-quality care.'