UK cancer patients receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy less frequently than those in similar countries.

The study reviewed data from over 780,000 cancer patients between 2012 and 2017 in Australia, Canada, Norway, and the UK.

Older UK patients are particularly less likely to receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which may affect survival rates.

Scotland experiences the longest wait times for starting chemotherapy in the UK.

Cancer Research UK urges a strategic approach to reduce treatment variation and improve survival chances.

The UK's cancer outcomes are lagging behind leading countries as cancer cases are expected to increase.

The Department of Health and Social Care cites investments in cancer care, but the study calls for further improvements to services and access to treatments.