Our response to the National Cancer Plan
Today, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting revealed the eagerly awaited National Cancer Plan for England. Our CEO, Diana Jupp responds to its commitments and how they could turn the tide on the deadliest common cancer.
Diana Jupp, CEO of Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “This is a truly historic moment for people affected by pancreatic cancer and less survivable cancers. For the first time, these devastating diseases – which cause 42% of all cancer-related deaths – are now at the heart of the National Cancer Plan.
“After decades of being left behind, there is a hugely welcome ambition to drive improved survival for diseases like pancreatic cancer. Making desperately needed progress for these cancers is vital to achieving this plan’s central target of transforming survival rates in England from some of the worst in the world to among the best.
“Together with the Rare Cancers Bill, which promises to help accelerate research and access to clinical trials, this plan represents a critical moment in turning the tide on pancreatic cancer.”
“The plan sets out a range of positive commitments that will transform diagnosis, treatment and care. This includes better standards of care which will improve treatment and support across the whole pathway and is a vital step in dealing with the unique challenges posed by the disease. It will help ensure everyone is given the very best possible chance of survival and quality of life – regardless of where they live.
“Together with the Rare Cancers Bill, which promises to help accelerate research and access to clinical trials, this plan represents a critical moment in turning the tide on pancreatic cancer.”
An overview of the sweeping reforms found in the National Cancer Plan:
- Faster diagnostics: A £2.3 billion investment will deliver 9.5 million additional tests by 2029 – investing in more scanners, digital technology and automated testing. Where possible, Community Diagnostic Centres will operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week, bringing testing closer to where people live.
- Robot-assisted surgery: From hip replacements to heart surgery and cancer operations, the number of robot-assisted procedures will increase from 70,000 to half a million by 2035, reducing complications and freeing up hospital beds.
- Treatment at specialist centres: More patients with rarer cancers will have their care reviewed and treated at specialist cancer centres, where they can benefit from the expertise of the best cancer doctors. These centres bring together surgeons, oncologists, specialist nurses and radiologists to agree the best treatment plan for each case.
- Genomic testing: Every patient who could benefit will be offered a test that analyses the DNA of their cancer. This helps doctors understand exactly the type of cancer someone has and choose treatments most likely to work for them.
- Waiting lists: New technology is being developed to give patients better access to tests for cancer by offering them the earliest available appointment from a range of NHS organisations in their local area.
You can read the Department of Health and Social Care’s press release here.
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