Summary
Macmillan Cancer Support has made available a collection of the key evidence about the prevalence, needs and experience of people affected by cancer. Around 2.5 million people today are living with cancer in the UK. This figure has increased by over half a million over five years, putting additional pressures on the NHS.
Reference
The Rich Picture on people with cancer. London: Macmillan Cancer Support, January 7th 2015.
Related information from BBC News:
Reference
Mundasad, S. (2015). Cancer crisis: cases to reach ‘record high in 2015’. London: BBC Health News, January 6th 2015.
Related statistical analyses / projections:
Reference
Maddams, J. Utley, M. [and] Møller, H. (2012). Projections of cancer prevalence in the United Kingdom, 2010-2040. British Journal of Cancer. September 25th 2012, Vol.107(7), pp.1195-202. (Click here to view the PubMed abstract).
Reducing Waiting Times: Earlier Cancer Diagnosis
Patients are to be given the option to refer themselves for diagnostic cancer tests, as NHS England aims to achieve earlier diagnoses for an extra 10% of people with cancer. Other fast-track methods of referral are being tested too.
Reference
NHS plan to achieve earlier cancer diagnosis and save lives. London: BBC Health News, January 11th 2015.
June 2015 Update
It is estimated that 5,000 lives could be saved in England per year if GPs follow new NICE guidelines on cancer diagnosis. GPs can now order tests directly, side-stepping referrals to specialists, in order to speed up access to treatment for suspected cancer.
Reference
Mundasad, S. (2015). New cancer strategy ‘could save thousands’ of lives. London: BBC Health News, June 23rd 2015.
This relates to:
Reference
Suspected cancer: recognition and referral. NG12. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), June 2015.
NHS Cancer Taskforce
NHS England has announced an independent task-force to develop a five-year action plan for cancer services:
“The taskforce has been asked to deliver the vision set out in the NHS Five Year Forward View, which calls for action on three fronts: better prevention; swifter diagnosis; and better treatment, care and aftercare for all those diagnosed with cancer”.
Reference
NHS launches new bid to beat cancer and save thousands of lives. London: NHS England, January 11th 2015.
NHS Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF)
Brief jottings on the history of the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) are available.
CRUK Investments Into Research
Cancer Research UK has announced investment of £15 million into three research hubs, based at Oxford (working on less invasive treatments), Cambridge (working on improving early detection and treatment) and Manchester (working on personalisation of surgery and radiotherapy).
Reference
Cancer Research UK centres receive £15m boost. London: BBC Health News, June 26th 2015.
