‘Perplexing’ cancer findings

Cancer sufferers whose homes are more than an hour from their nearest major hospital get quicker treatment but have poorer survival rates, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Aberdeen have described the findings as a “cancer geography paradox”.

The study found people with cancer who live more than an hour from their nearest major hospital are diagnosed and treated faster than those who live closer – but are more likely to die in the first year after treatment.

Aberdeen’s Dr Peter Murchie said: “These contradictory findings on time to diagnosis and mortality are perplexing to say the least.”