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The successes and challenges of cancer care in London — kicking off NHS England London’s #CancerWeek

A cancer diagnosis is a life changing event and each year in London, over 47,000 Londoners are identified as having one of the many forms that this condition can take; while in the UK one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. It’s expected that by 2030, 3.4 million people will be living with cancer.

This week, in the lead up to World Cancer Day on the 4th February, we’re focusing on the great work happening across the capital to improve cancer care and to raise awareness of some of the signs and symptoms of cancer. We’ll also be hearing from patients who have been diagnosed and received treatment for some of the lesser known, rarer cancers, as well as taking a look at the revolutionary new radiotherapy machine at Queen’s hospital, Romford.

This year, the NHS is celebrating its 70th birthday and over those 70 years we have certainly seen some huge changes in the way that cancer is treated, not just in London but globally. From recognising signs and symptoms, to first diagnosis, care pathways, treatment, rehabilitation and living with and beyond the disease, things have changed radically for patients.

Tackling cancer is still one of our biggest priorities in the capital and we must do everything we can to improve early detection and prevent lives being lost.

You may have read about a revolutionary new blood test that may, with further testing, become a simple, annual test designed to catch cancer early and save lives. We are living in very exciting times in terms of the leaps and bounds being made in care, but unfortunately, there is still a long way to go before we can claim to have come close to eradicating this perennial disease.

As the NHS in London continues to support patients through their cancer journey, we are determined to make sure that no matter where a person is treated, they are provided with top quality care and services. And we are making progress, but more needs to be done to ensure cancer services in London become among the best in the world. Nationally, the NHS Five Year Forward View identified cancer as one of our top priorities.

Better prevention, earlier diagnosis and innovative new treatments are all making a difference, however, large increases in the numbers of people being referred for cancer check-ups is placing a strain on some services.

However, through targeted investment, including £130 million for a national radiotherapy modernisation fund, expansion of the cancer workforce and ensuring there are performance goals and clear accountability for CCGs and cancer providers, we hope to see some dramatic improvements by 2020.

Here in London, we will be taking these goals forward and through improved collaboration and integration within the London health network we will be able to ensure that Londoners are all receiving the best possible care, without any local variation.

I have personally experienced two different types of cancer and hence the range of feelings this evokes when you have this diagnosis.

I have seen and experienced some of the advances in cancer care and treatment and feel it is so important to continuously raise the profile of this important area of work for the NHS.

Keep an eye on our @NHSEnglandLDN Twitter account for cancer related news and NHS70 cancer facts coming every day.


Professor Oliver Shanley OBE

Oliver Shanley

Oliver took up post as Regional Chief Nurse for NHS England and NHS Improvement in December 2016.

Previously to that Oliver was Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Nurse at Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) for seven years.

He has worked at Executive Nurse level since 2003. Oliver is involved at a national and regional level in a number of areas including both safe staffing and safer systems work.

Oliver attained a Doctorate at Kings College London in 2012 and was appointed a Visiting Professor at the University of Hertfordshire in 2014.