A NEW report by Macmillan Cancer Support celebrates advances in treatment and care but warns that more needs to be done due to the increasing demand.

Every day 16 people in Surrey hear the devastating news that they have cancer, and seven people die from the illness.

By 20130, it is predicted the number of Surrey residents living with cancer will increase to an estimated 77,200.

The numbers across the UK are set to grow from 2.5 million people to 4 million by 2030. As a result, more people than ever will need support with long-term side effects.

Welcoming the upward trend, Health Secretary and South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt said: “Excellent to see massive improvement in cancer survival rates, where we now treat 130 more people every day versus 2010.”

The report compares the diagnosis, treatment and care of cancer in the 1970s, to the experiences of cancer in the 2010s.

While documenting drastic improvements, particularly in available treatments, it also acts as a stark reminder that cancer continues to be a devastating diagnosis and one which affects a person long after their treatment has finished.

It highlights the consistent and growing support the charity offers people affected by cancer, from the introduction of Macmillan nurses in 1975, to the first Macmillan-trained benefits adviser in 2005.

In Surrey in 2014, a total of 1,275 people called the Macmillan Support Line, while 125 people were helped by its Mobile Information Support Service.

Another 377 people received Macmillan grants.

While the charity provides a range of information through its website, mobile units and information centres, it is vital that the NHS ensures patients are given all the right support and know where to find information and help when they need it.

Worryingly, recent analysis from Macmillan shows an estimated 116,000 cancer patients last year in England did not have the potential long-term side effects from their cancer fully explained to them.

Gwyneth Tyler, head of services for the South East at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We know that thousands of people across Surrey are living with cancer. But while it is not always life-ending, it is life-changing and we need to ensure that people who have had the disease or who are living with it have a good quality of life and tailored, appropriate support.

“Our report highlights the ever-changing story of cancer in this country.

“We want to remind those living in Surrey that there are many Macmillan services available to help people not only cope with the devastating news that they have cancer, but the impact this has on their work, finances, relationships and of course, their health.

“We’re still here, as we were decades ago, to reach as many people affected by this disease as we can – as the numbers rise and their needs get more complex.”