Cancer Research UK has launched a new manifesto urging the next UK Government to take action to prevent 20,000 avoidable UK cancer deaths annually by 2040.
The cancer plan, created with insights from cancer patients and experts from across health, life sciences, government and academic sectors, can position the UK as one of the world’s best in cancer survival by 2035, the charity says.
The manifesto also includes five missions for the next government to follow to significantly reduce UK cancer deaths.
Regarding the new cancer plan, Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “Cancer is the defining health issue of our time.
“The impact of cancer is immense. We estimate that half a million people – friends, colleagues and loved ones – will be diagnosed with the disease every year by 2040. Their lives are at stake if we don’t act now.
“The Manifesto for Cancer Research and Care is our comprehensive plan to ensure more people can live their lives free from the fear of cancer. We urge all political leaders to unite behind this vital mission.”
Current landscape of care in the UK
Although significant progress has been made in recent years, Cancer Research UK says progress is at risk of stalling.
The survival rate from cancer has doubled in the UK over the last 50 years; however, the charity warns that disruptions to NHS cancer services and an estimated half a million new cancer cases annually by 2040 could hamper this progress.
Moreover, UK cancer deaths are higher than in comparable countries. Due to this, the charity is calling on the next government to develop a ten-year cancer plan and address the more than £1bn funding gap in cancer research.
Five missions to reduce UK cancer deaths
The manifesto outlines five pivotal missions aimed at significantly enhancing cancer outcomes through targeted government action:
- Revitalising biomedical research: The UK Government is urged to prioritise leading the G7 in research intensity within its first 100 days. This entails augmenting government investment and fostering an appealing environment for global scientists and clinicians.
- Preventing cancer incidence: Emphasising the opportunity to tackle smoking-related health concerns, urgent measures to elevate the age for tobacco product sales are advocated. By aiming for a Smokefree England by 2030, an estimated 18,200 cancer cases could be prevented by 2040.
- Early detection and reducing inequalities: Addressing the challenge of late-stage cancer diagnoses, the call is for a transformation of cancer screening programs and an expedited rollout of lung cancer screening in England. Additionally, targeted actions to diminish regional treatment disparities and inequalities in early diagnosis are recommended.
- Expediting access to tests and treatments: Acknowledging prolonged patient waits for crucial tests and treatments, the proposition includes a 10-year cancer-specific workforce plan to rectify staff shortages and eliminate the NHS maintenance deficit by 2030. Long-term funding commitment for essential resources is pivotal.
- Establishing a unified effort: Recognising the fragmented nature of cancer research and care governance, the proposal advocates for a National Cancer Council for England, answerable to the Prime Minister. This council aims to unify efforts across various government sectors to drive coordinated actions, accelerate research, innovation adoption, and mitigate disparities in cancer outcomes.
Each mission underscores a specific aspect crucial to enhancing cancer care, urging coordinated government efforts for a comprehensive, strategic approach.
By prioritising research, prevention, early detection, efficient treatment access, and unified governance, these missions seek to reduce UK cancer deaths significantly.
