Statement on the National Cancer Plan call for evidence

Yorkshire Cancer Research is pleased to see the launch of a call for evidence on a National Cancer Plan, which will provide an important opportunity for organisations, professionals and individuals to share evidence with the Government to inform their strategy.

The Government’s decision to create a dedicated plan for cancer demonstrates that the voices of people in Yorkshire affected by cancer, who helped call for the approach through Yorkshire Cancer Research’s Change Yorkshire’s Cancer Story campaign, have been heard and will be acted upon.

However, in order for a new National Cancer Plan to make a difference to our region it is vital that Yorkshire’s voice continues to be listened to and shines through in a strategy that is built for and with the people who need it.

Through the charity’s investment in world-leading research and services across Yorkshire and day-to-day interactions with people with cancer, Yorkshire Cancer Research has a unique insight into cancer in Yorkshire.

The charity will use this insight to ensure that the National Cancer Plan addresses the issues faced by people in Yorkshire and tackles regional differences.

Sadly, people are more likely to have their lives cut short by cancer in Yorkshire than almost anywhere else in England. There are many reasons for this, including preventable risk factors and more people being diagnosed at a late stage. Other factors such as high levels of deprivation and Yorkshire’s industrial past also play a significant role. In addition, there are disparities in terms of treatment that is offered in Yorkshire hospitals compared to others across the country, and between hospitals within Yorkshire, meaning people do not always have access to the very best treatment options.

It is vital that the National Cancer Plan addresses these issues to enable people to live longer, healthier lives, free from cancer. Healthcare systems must provide equitable care for people with cancer, no matter who they are or where they live.

If included in the National Cancer Plan, these four policy areas could transform cancer survival and reduce health inequalities across Yorkshire. They will ensure cancer prevention and screening services are accessible and designed for those that need them most and that people are given the chance to have cancer diagnosed at the earliest opportunity.

While we welcome the launch of a major Government-funded breast screening trial using AI, we hope to see further measures to reduce the inequalities in uptake for screening by removing barriers to access, as well as a commitment from Government to adopt and roll out new screening tests and programmes when evidence is presented to them.

Focusing on these four priority policy areas will also ensure that new and better treatments are integrated within cancer care quickly and effectively to radically change patient care so more people survive, and that investment in research is equitably distributed and targeted towards areas that need it most so opportunities to take part in research can be discussed with everyone diagnosed with cancer. We hope that the proposed UK Collaborative for Clinical Cancer Research, also announced this week, will enable the people in Yorkshire to benefit fairly from cutting-edge clinical trials and studies.

Yorkshire Cancer Research has 100 years of expertise and experience in cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment and has a unique insight into the needs of Yorkshire. But we need to hear from people affected by cancer so we can continue to advocate for Yorkshire and help deliver a cancer strategy that works for our region.

To be kept informed of how you can get involved and help shape national cancer policies that will make a difference in Yorkshire, please join the campaign to change Yorkshire’s cancer story for good.