Time to deliver for cancer patients and their loved ones

Since World Cancer Day last year, it’s estimated that 420,000 people will have been diagnosed with cancer in the UK.?????

This year’s theme is ‘united by unique’, reminding us that behind these numbers there are real people with individual stories.??

His Majesty King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis in Feb 2024 brought significant attention to the experiences of people with cancer. Following his announcement, we saw a 42% increase in views to Cancer Research UK’s cancer information webpages.?

However, for many, their cancer experience is fraught with long waits for tests and treatments, adding stress to an already anxious time. Despite the tireless efforts of NHS staff, some cancer waiting targets haven’t been hit since 2015. By 2040 over half a million people will be diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK, so the scale of the issue is only set to grow.???

To mark World Cancer Day, the Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting MP, re-announced the UK Government’s intention to publish a National Cancer Plan for England.?

As a cancer survivor himself, he understands the importance of improving survival rates which, in England, currently lag behind many comparable countries, as evidenced by the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership. This could be a turning point for cancer, but it is not guaranteed.?

Research is an integral part of the puzzle. Over the last 50 years, pioneering work has helped double cancer survival in the UK.??

Recent Cancer Research UK-funded work has led to the development of a urine test that can detect some of the first signs of lung cancer and a new DNA testing method identifying which people with inflammatory bowel disease have the highest risk of bowel cancer.??

Research offers progress and hope, but we must accelerate its translation into effective treatments and diagnostics so that more people have more precious time with their loved ones.??

Countries with dedicated cancer plans provide better care for cancer patients. Longer, Better Lives – our manifesto and programme for government provides the blueprint. Now the UK Government needs to deliver a clear, fully-funded strategy focused on backing research, cutting waiting times, diagnosing cancers earlier, and bringing cutting-edge treatment to patients sooner. ?

Nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime. Though no two people’s experiences are the same, we must unite to deliver the best possible outcomes for everyone affected by cancer.??