Our vision for cancer care stated:
"More than 50% of cancers are preventable and the public will be more aware of risk factors such as smoking, diet and obesity.
Early diagnosis is crucial and there will be improved and expanded screening programmes that are more easily accessible for people.
The patient is an active partner in their care and services are personalised to meet the needs of specific groups. Each patient has an identified key worker and their care is co-ordinated by a multi-disciplinary team. Simple tests and investigations, outpatient care and chemotherapy is provided more locally.
Where there is evidence that clinical outcomes are improved, specialist centres or structured networks will be in place to treat uncommon conditions."
Our priorities for change:
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Reduce the number of people under the age of 75 dying from cancer to a rate of 104 per 100,000 of the population by 2010
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Expand screening programmes – including breast, bowel and cervical cancer – so people are diagnosed earlier and treated sooner
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Co-ordinate outpatient clinics and diagnostic tests and investigations so people receive a speedier diagnosis
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Expand radiotherapy capacity
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Review chemotherapy services.
