According to new report published by a group medical experts it is thought that the economic downturn in 2008 may have contributed to hundreds of thousands more cancer deaths across the globe.
Leading scientists say they have determined that a staggering 260,000 extra deaths occurred in cancer patients worldwide as a result of the recession.
However experts say countries with universal health care, such as the UK and the U.S., had fewer casualties.
The research which was led by scientist Dr Mahiben Maruthappu, from Imperial College London showed that those unemployed living in middle income countries experienced more mortality rates than anywhere else, Dr Maruthappu said: “Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide so understanding how economic changes affect cancer survival is crucial.
“We found that increased unemployment was associated with increased cancer mortality, but that universal health coverage protected against these effects. This was especially the case for treatable cancers including breast, prostate and colorectal [bowel] cancer.”
The research also highlighted the increase in mortality rates for patients who had several “treatable” cancers including breast, prostate and bowel cancer, and other more terminal cancers such as lung and pancreatic cancer.
Scientists say the lack of resources to avail of care may have been a factor that contributed to increase in deaths.