The UK’s cancer care system is at a critical breaking point, as warned by a group of experts. In a commentary published in The Lancet Oncology, the experts are urging for decisive action to address the deepening financial pressures.
They call for the appointment of an independent National Cancer Director and a support office for data-driven actions across the UK. Responding to this, the Government is committed to reducing waiting times for cancer patients.
Professor Mark Lawler, a Digital Health expert at Queen’s University Belfast and the lead author, stated, “The urgency is clear: in my mind, we are already in the midst of a cancer crisis, precipitated by 14 years of gross mismanagement of cancer by the previous administration and the collateral impact of Covid and national lockdowns on cancer services and cancer patients."
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The commentary highlights policy recommendations for improving survival and quality of life for people with cancer. It emphasizes the need for data-driven solutions and efficient implementation, essential for long-term cancer control within financial constraints.
Professor Pat Price, chairwoman of Radiotherapy UK, emphasized the necessity of doing things differently to reverse the deadly norm of delayed cancer treatment. She stressed the need for a radical, data-driven cancer plan to improve outcomes and ensure efficient allocation of resources.
The researchers also emphasize that delayed development of a new national cancer strategy and reactive, short-term decision-making by the Government pose a significant risk to cancer survival rates and health inequalities.
In response, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson acknowledged the challenges, stating, “We are determined to drive down waiting times and our Plan for Change is already getting patients seen and treated faster.” The National Cancer Plan is intended to further improve cancer care and align with global standards.
The situation demands urgent and bold action to reverse the declining cancer outcomes in the UK.