Warning that improvements in cancer care a huge challenge post-pandemic

Ministers are being warned that improvements in cancer care will be a huge challenge as they pledge a new ten-year strategy for England.

 

Figures show that there have been 34,000 fewer cancer diagnoses since the start of the pandemic in England, 50,000 for the whole of the UK.

 

Cancer charities have said there is risk of an increasing number of late diagnoses, which reduces the chances of survival.

 

The news comes as the government is pledging to invest in new equipment and technologies to detect cancer earlier.

 

Health secretary Sajid David has said the new “war on cancer” strategy will be published later this year, saying “It will take a far-reaching look at how we want cancer care to be in 2032.  Looking at all stages from prevention to diagnosis, treatment and vaccines.”

 

Mr Javid added that the NHS had already taken steps, including opening a network of testing centres and evaluating new blood tests to spot cancers early.

 

Macmillan Cancer Support’s Lynda Thomas, said that given the impact of the pandemic, people with cancer needed “support more than ever.  We have been sounding the alarm for a long time.”

 

She said that while improving diagnosis and treatment was crucial, it was like “building sandcastles while the tide comes” without additional staff to tackle the demand for care and backlogs.

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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