CANCER patients in Oxfordshire have more chance of surviving than in other parts of the country.

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that more than 2,000 people diagnosed with cancer in 2012 were still living a year on.

The 70.4 per cent survival figure for people aged 15-99 has risen almost 10 per cent since 1997 and the county is performing above the national average which sits at 69.3 per cent.

Taking into account the accuracy of Oxfordshire’s data ONS categorises the county as “significantly higher” than the national average.

Cancer survivor and campaigner Clive Stone put the success down to the quality of treatment in the area.

Mr Stone said: “I’m impressed the survival rate is so high. We are well placed here in Oxfordshire for treatment and this is a reflection of that.

“We are lucky to be in such a good area here with the Churchill and the John Radcliffe.”

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In 2010 Mr Stone had two of three brain tumours removed by a surgeon at the JR.

The surgeon told Mr Stone he was unable to remove the third without the procedure killing him.

The former bank manager said the surgeon took a punt on Gamma Knife treatment in Sheffield, where he had trained.

He said: “I have had an extra five years of quality life I didn’t think I would have.

“I have been able to spend this time with my family and lovely young granddaughter, who I did not expect to see.”

The cancer campaigner, from Freeland near Witney, inspired David Cameron to create a £200m fund so that cancer sufferers would never again be denied drugs on grounds of cost.

The father-of-two, who lost his wife Jan after a two-year battle with breast cancer, said work needed to continue to improve survival rate.

“We need to keep our foot on the accelerator,” he said. “We are very behind on radiotherapy and the Cancer Drug Fund introduced in 2010 as a temporary measure is due to stop next year.”

According to the ONS figures nearly 60 per cent of those between 75 and 99 years old survived for at least one year, up from 48 per cent in 1997.

The figures for 55 to 64-year-olds make for even more impressive reading as more than 77 per cent survived.

Dr Claire Blesing, clinical director of oncology and haematology at Oxford University Hospitals Trust, said: “We believe the very good survival rates of our patients are a reflection of the expertise and advanced treatments the integrated Cancer and Haematology Centre continues to offer.”

Deputy director of the Cancer Research UK Oxford Centre and the trust lead on cancer, Professor Mark Middleton, said: “These figures are testament to the excellent cancer care provided by our staff in collaboration with colleagues in the community.

“There’s always room for improvement and We want to do even better in future by diagnosing cancers earlier, by increasing support for patients and their families during treatment and by making sure that important advances are made available as soon as possible.”