Unfinished business

The Health Foundation, in collaboration with Professor Sir Mike Richards, has published an assessment of efforts to improve cancer services in England over almost two decades. It is titled "Unfinished business. An assessment of the national approach to improving cancer services in England 1995–2015". It contains quotes from BCI UK’s leader, Professor Eva Morris, and our engagement workstream lead, Chris Carrigan.

The report recognises improvements in cancer survival and patient experience. However, the survival gap with countries that achieve better outcomes has not been closed. The report sets out steps to help address that gap, centred on early diagnosis and investment in diagnostic capacity. For example, introducing GP testing for patients with low-risk colorectal symptoms and boosting the non-medical endoscopy workforce. The report is likely to be highly influential. It is available on the Health Foundation website.