Almost two-thirds of Britons believe there will be a cure for all types of cancer in the next 20 years, a study reveals.
Almost two-thirds of Britons believe there will be a cure for all types of cancer in the next 20 years, a study reveals today.
New research from Norwich Union Healthcare shows that people are feeling more optimistic about the future of their health than ever before, thanks to recent developments in the world of medicine.
Cancer, Parkinson’s disease and arthritis topped the poll of health problems that people think there will be cures for in the near future – with women more optimistic than men when it comes to predicting medical breakthroughs.
As far as cosmetic treatments are concerned, more than a quarter of women are convinced the future holds a cure for cellulite and wrinkles. And 35% of men have their fingers crossed that scientists will find a cure for that age-old problem – baldness.
In fact, 85 per cent of people agree there will be a rise in cosmetic surgery in the next 20 years.
The ‘Hopes for a Healthier Future’ study reveals that people are most positive about finding cures fo
- Cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
The research among 1,000 adults also revealed that more than two in five people think medical records on computer chips will be the norm by 2020 along with virtual doctors and internet surgeries.
And a quarter of people are even positive minded enough to envisage an end to the NHS waiting lists in as little as 20 years time.
Dr Doug Wright, clinical development manager at Norwich Union Healthcare, said: “Although many people are much more health-conscious these days, the levels of cancer and heart disease continue to rise, and stories of under-investment and over-worked staff in the NHS constantly fill the news.
“It seems, however, that people are optimistic about the future of their health in the hands of the health service. Our research shows more than two thirds of Britons believe that the public and private healthcare sectors will become less clearly defined over the next 20 years.”
Press contact: Matthew Buchanan or Jo Misson at QBO on 020 7379 0304 or Louise Zucchi at Norwich Union on 08703 66 68 60 or 07860 203 466
Notes to editors
- Norwich Union Healthcare commissioned research amongst 1000 adults in May 2002.
- Norwich Union Healthcare is the healthcare arm of Norwich Union and provides a range of private medical insurance and income protection products to around 750,000 customers. It is one of the largest providers of income protection and private medical insurance in the UK.
- Member of the General Insurance Standards Council
- Norwich Union’s news releases are available on the internet at www.cgnu-group.com
- A selection of images is available from the CGNU Newscast site at www.newscast.co.uk
- An ISDN facility is available for studio quality broadcast. Call the press office on 08703 66 68 68