Improving cancer care a huge challenge post-pandemic

Improving cancer care will be a huge challenge, ministers are being warned as they promise a new 10-year strategy for England.

Figures suggest there have been 34,000 fewer diagnoses since Covid hit - 50,000 if you include the whole UK. It risks an increasing number of late diagnoses which reduces the chances of survival, cancer charities said.

It comes as the government is promising to invest in new technologies and equipment to spot cancer quicker.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the new "war on cancer" strategy will be published later this year.

"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," he said.

Mr Javid pointed out the NHS was already taking steps, including evaluating new blood tests to spot cancers early and opening a network of testing centres.

Lynda Thomas, of Macmillan Cancer Support, said 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 added.

But she said while improving diagnosis and treatment was crucial, it was like "building sandcastles while the tide comes" without extra staff to tackle the backlogs and demand for care.

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Source: BBC News, 4 February 2022