On World Cancer Day, Professor Pat Price appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss the new National Cancer Plan. First, she acknowledged that just having a plan and leaders such as Wes Streeting who understand there is an issue and are focused on improvement is a good step and a victory.
However, this plan does fail to consider needed funding for updating outdated technology (such as that for radiotherapy) and the strained workforce which must deliver care.
The fact that we’ve got a plan? Great news…. But, the elephant in the room is those targets aren’t being met. We know it’s speed. You have to get your treatment on time.
PROFESSOR PAT PRICE
You can read the National Cancer Plan here.
Other Great Moments from World Cancer Day
Stuart Andrew, MP, delivered a powerful response on the National Cancer Plan during the Ministerial Statement:
That is why radiotherapy matters. Radiotherapy UK is right that it is a core part of modern cancer care, but it relies on up-to-date equipment and a skilled workforce.
My second question is this: Will Ministers set out how the plan will expand radiotherapy capacity in practice, including equipment replacement and the workforce, so that patients can benefit in reality, rather than the plan just being something written on paper? Are we learning the lessons from the Danish example? They invested in radiotherapy and saw significant improvements over a period of years.
STUART ANDREW, MP
Watch or read the full debate here.
In an interview alongside Professor Mark Lawler and Professor Gordon Wishart, Pat was asked about England’s new National Cancer Plan. Dr Amar Ahmed hosted the interview on Wimslow Health Centre’s YouTube channel.
I think really our best measure of how to improve cancer survival is the 62-day wait–in terms of you’ve got to get your treatment on time–and in all countries you’ve got to do that.
PROFESSOR PAT PRICE
Watch the full interview here.
To view Radiotherapy UK’s complete World Cancer Day coverage and stay informed of their continuing engagement, visit their website: