Government Unveils Plans to Tackle Cancer
This week, the government announced the launch of an NHS Cancer Reform Strategy which aims to build on the progress made since the publication of the NHS Cancer Plan in 2000. The Strategy sets a clear direction for cancer services for the next five years and shows how, by 2012, cancer services can and should become among the best in the world.
Transforming all areas of care, from prevention and diagnosis, to treatment and aftercare, the strategy represents the biggest review of cancer services with an investment of £370 million pledged to build a world-class cancer service in England.
According to the Department of Health there will be an extension of screening programmes, faster treatment and better after-care support for survivors of the disease. Other measures include attempts to help people quit smoking, with consultations planned on banning cigarette vending machines, reducing cigarette displays in stores, and another look at packaging.
There will also be a review on the use and numbers of sun beds, with the aim of finding out how much under-18s use them, as part of moves to cut skin cancer rates.
Health minister Alan Johnson commented: "Today I have pledged that NHS cancer services will do even more for patients. More to help reduce the risk of developing cancer, more to ensure access to high quality treatment and more to deliver care in the most clinically appropriate and convenient setting for patients.
"Clinicians, patients and cancer charities tell us that cancer care has improved significantly in the last ten years thanks to investment and reform, but I am determined to go further.
"I want to build world-class cancer services that give NHS patients access to top quality treatment at every stage."
Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: "Cancer is the biggest cause of death in the UK and more than one in three people will develop the disease at some point in their lives. Each day around 800 people across the UK learn of a cancer diagnosis for the first time.
"Cancer Research UK was one of the many expert groups involved in developing the strategy so we look forward to working with the NHS to deliver these recommendations. It's vital that these proposals are followed through if we're to become among the best in the world at treating cancer."
Plans to improve diagnosis and treatment include the extension of the Breast Cancer Screening Programme to all women between the ages of 47 and 73 by 2012 and £100 million worth of investment in new digital mammography equipment.
There will also be an extension of the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme to all men and women between the ages of 70 and 75 from 2010, as well as an investigation into how delays at the GP stage of treatment can be reduced.
In addition there are plans to improve the experience of cancer patients by investing in radiotherapy and minimising delays in the approval process for new drugs.
Over the past year Macmillan Cancer Support has been busy influencing the development of the Cancer Reform Strategy.
A new Survivorship Initiative, led by National Cancer Director for England, Mike Richards, in partnership with Macmillan and others, forms a central plank of the government strategy and will make major improvements to the range and quality of support given to people living with cancer.
Patients are to receive a personalised package of on-going support, improved financial advice, help to help themselves, greater emotional support and initiatives to combat the long-term effects of the disease.
Macmillan Chief Executive, Ciaran Devane, says; 'People living with cancer tell Macmillan that cancer can have a devastating effect on their finances, their jobs and their relationships. We are delighted they are at last to get the support they so badly need. Macmillan warmly welcomes the new plan and our involvement in these initiatives. We will be playing a key role in ensuring this plan is implemented and its aims become a reality."
Source: Nutrition in cancer Editorial Board
