MP highlights need to improve cancer survival rates through earlier diagnosis
This morning, The Rt. Hon. Andrew Lansley MP, Secretary of State for Health, formally launched ‘Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer”, which outlines the Coalition Government’s plans to deliver health outcomes for cancer patients that are among the best in the world in a reformed National Health Service. Although significant improvements have been made in recent decades, outcomes for patients in England continue to lag behind those countries of comparable wealth.
John said:
“The UK’s poor record on early diagnosis has got to be put right. The intention to save 5,000 lives by bringing our cancer survival rates up to the European average is a welcome first step.”
“We are delighted that the new cancer strategy includes so many of the recommendations from the APPGC’s 2009 and 2010 reports on tackling cancer inequalities. In particular, we welcome the strong emphasis on improving our one and five year cancer survival rates and the commitment to give GPs greater access to diagnostic tests.”
”We are also pleased that providers of cancer services will be expected to use the results of the National Cancer Patient Experience survey to address the unacceptable inequalities in care and support which still exist across the UK.”
“However, some questions remain including how the expertise of cancer networks can best be retained as the NHS makes the transition to GP commissioning.”
John is the Chairman of the All Party Group on Cancer
Our 2009 report Tackling Cancer Inequalities can be found here:
Our 2010 report Tackling Cancer Inequalities – on year on can be found here:
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Documents/GetInvolved/Campaigns/APPG/TacklingCancerInequalities2010.pdf
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