A Better Deal For Cancer Patients In Ground Breaking Cancer Plan For England Says Macmillan Cancer Support

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 03 Dec 2007 - 14:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Major improvements in the support and care of people living with cancer in England are announced in a new government cancer plan published today, in which Macmillan Cancer Support has played a key role.

The Cancer Reform Strategy, due to be launched this morning by the Health Secretary Alan Johnson, will be far-reaching, and will fully recognise the complex needs of people living with cancer- offering them a wider range of care and support during and after treatment.

Cancer survival rates have improved massively in recent years - around 50% of people now live for more than five years after a cancer diagnosis. So it is vital they get the help they need to manage the long-term effects of the disease and receive financial, emotional and practical as well as medical support and information to get their lives back on track.

A new Survivorship Initiative, led by National Cancer Director for England, Mike Richards, in partnership with Macmillan and others, forms a central plank of the today's government strategy and will make major improvements to the range and quality of support given to people living with cancer.

Patients are to receive a personalised package of on-going support, improved financial advice, help to help themselves, greater emotional support and initiatives to combat the long-term effects of the disease.

Macmillan Chief Executive, Ciaran Devane, says; 'People living with cancer tell Macmillan that cancer can have a devastating effect on their finances, their jobs and their relationships. We are delighted they are at last to get the support they so badly need. Macmillan warmly welcomes today's plan and our involvement in these initiatives. We will be playing a key role in ensuring this plan is implemented and its aims become a reality. "

Macmillan also particularly welcomes the recognition of the crucial role that Clinical Nurse Specialists play in co-ordinating patient care and the commitment to reducing shortfalls in this vital area of the workforce and the announcement of annual patient experience survey to measure and encourage better patient-centred care.

Notes:

1. 1 million people currently diagnosed with cancer in England - Based on data from Cancer prevalence in the UK: results from the EUROPREVAL study, Annals of Oncology, 2003, D. Forman et al.

2. 40% of patients receive no written information at all when told they have the disease - National Patient Survey, Office of National Statistics, 2005

3. 91% households suffer a loss of income or rise in costs as a direct result of cancer - Cancer Costs Report, Macmillan Cancer Support, 2006

4. 75% of cancer patients want to return to work but just 1 in 5 are aware of the support and advice they need - You Gov poll for Macmillan Cancer Support, 2007.
45% patients find the emotional impact of most difficult to cope with - Worried Sick: The emotional impact of cancer, Macmillan Cancer Support, 2006

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. We provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support and push for better cancer care. Cancer affects us all. We can all help. We are Macmillan.

Macmillan Cancer Support