The Cancer Reform Strategy; Response From The Royal College Of Radiologists

Main Category: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 04 Dec 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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Dr Michael Williams, Vice-President of the Royal College of Radiologists, said, "The news that the government's Cancer Reform Strategy allocates substantial funds for radiotherapy staff, equipment and training, is excellent for radiotherapy patients.

"There is good evidence that prompt treatment is essential for cancer patients and we are pleased to see that the Strategy intends that all radiotherapy treatment will start within thirtyone days of the decision being made, by 2010 or earlier. Many departments already achieve this and we would want is to provide it as standard for everyone.

"By January 2009 national data on radiotherapy services will be routinely available; this will allow accurate measurement of the quality of these services, and enable support for those services which lag behind.

"We look forward to working with the Cancer Action Team to implement this strategy, in order to develop and improve radiotherapy services across England."

Notes:

1. Developing a world-class radiotherapy service would involve advanced radiotherapy techniques, such as intensity modulation and image guidance, which should become standard for some patients in the next five years.

2. The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has approximately 7,400 members and Fellows worldwide representing the disciplines of clinical oncology and clinical radiology. All members and Fellows of the College are registered medical or dental practitioners.

Royal College Of Radiologists

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