The number of patients being diagnosed with cancer at an early stage in England has risen to its highest level, according to the National Health Service (NHS) analysis, reports PA Media.

The latest data, which focus on 13 of the most common cancers, such as breast, prostate and lung cancer, shows nearly three in five patients are being diagnosed at stages one or two, when cancer is easier to treat.

The NHS said the news followed an initiative over the past two years to encourage millions of people to come forward for potentially life-saving checks. This includes those who may be at a higher risk because of hereditary or lifestyle factors.

Data show 58.7% of common cancers diagnosed between September 2023 and August 2024 were identified at an early stage.

The NHS said this marked an improvement of 2.7 percentage points on pre-pandemic levels, equating to about 7,000 additional patients diagnosed at an early stage.

The targeted lung health check (TLHC) and liver health programs are among the initiatives the NHS has introduced to help catch more cancers earlier.

Under these programs, hi-tech mobile scanning trucks and vans go into communities to offer in-depth checks to people at shopping centers, sports stadiums, food banks, and supermarket car parks.

Data show more than 5,000 people have been diagnosed with lung cancer earlier via the TLHC program since it was launched in 2019.