An 'inexcusable postcode lottery' has seen big differences in cancer surival rates, a cancer charity has said.

Figures publicised this week by charity Macmillan Cancer Support show 32 per cent of sufferers in Sutton die within a year, compared to 28 per cent of people living in Richmond.

Percentage of cancer sufferers who die within a year of being diagnosed, broken down into London boroughs (source ONS data 2011)

Sutton: 32 per cent

Croydon: 32 percent

Westminster: 27 per cent

Richmond: 28 per cent

Kingston: 31 per cent

Merton: 30 per cent

Surrey Downs: 29 per cent

Wandsworth: 31 per cent

Barking and Dagenham: 38 per cent

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) data for 2011 shows people living in neighbouring boroughs having NHS cancer treatment, have a different chance of surviving depending on where they live.

Twenty-nine per cent of people living in Epsom and other areas in the Surrey Downs will die in their first year, compared to 32 per cent of sufferers living in Croydon. 

The varying percentages up and down the country mean thousands of people are needlessly dying of the disease.

Macmillan Cancer Support state each year roughly 6,000 more people would still be alive, if average survival rates could meet those achieved by the top 10 per cent of the country’s 211 local CCG’s.

Thirty per cent of people in Merton die from cancer a year after diagnosis.

But for sufferers in Barking and Dagenham, 38 per cent die - 11 per cent more than the 27 per cent figure for Westminster in central London.

NHS waiting-time targets say someone diagnosed should get treatment within 62 days.

Macmillan point out that areas with the highest percentage of deaths each year have the lowest number of people getting support in time.

Juliet Bouverie, director of services and influencing at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "This analysis shows an inexcusable postcode lottery which is responsible for 6,000 people dying needlessly within 12 months of being diagnosed with cancer every year. 

"It is a no-brainer - when patients have to wait longer for diagnosis and treatment their chances of surviving are significantly reduced."

Have you been affected by cancer? Tell us your story by calling 020 8722 6358, or email tom.gillespie@london.newsquest.co.uk