UK cancer survival rates lag behind most of the rest of the world, new research has claimed.

The global study of 31 countries, the first of its kind, found that the UK came 22nd in breast cancer survival rates and 19th in prostate cancer survival rates.

In terms of male and female colorectal cancer survival, the UK came 22nd and 21st respectively.

The Trent region has the lowest cancer survival rate in the UK.

Over 100 scientists were involved in the study which was led by cancer epidemiologist Professor Michel Coleman of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Data was collated from 1.9 million people who were diagnosed with a first invasive cancer between 1990 and 1994 and was followed up until 1999.

Professor Coleman commented in the Scotsman: "Most of the wide variation in survival is likely due to differences in access to diagnostic and treatment services and factors such as tumour biology, state at diagnosis or compliance with treatment."