We put people affected by cancer at the heart of the Cancer Reform Strategy

Over the past year Macmillan has been busy influencing the development of the Cancer Reform Strategy (CRS).

We're delighted that as a result of our work the needs and experiences of people affected by cancer are at the heart of the CRS. 

The CRS sets out the future direction of cancer services in England up until 2012.

The strategy should make a real difference to the care, support and treatment of the one in three people who will be diagnosed with the disease in the next five years.

We particularly welcome:

• A National Cancer Survivorship Initiative to address the post-treatment needs of people with cancer.  Macmillan will help lead this initiative which will explore how to support people to get their lives back after cancer treatment.
• The development of an annual patient experience survey which will measure and encourage better patient-centred care.
• Recognition of the vital role played by Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) in coordinating patient care, providing information and communicating with patients, and a commitment to reduce shortfalls in CNS provision.
• A vision for improving patient information and involving patients in making decisions about their own treatment and care.
• A National Cancer Equality Initiative to address the significant inequities in care and treatment across the country and among particular groups of people.  Macmillan will play a leading role in developing this strategy.
• A recognition that user involvement should play a central role in improving the quality of patient care and in decisions about which services should be provided in the future.
• A commitment to full implementation of the NICE supportive and palliative care guidance by December 2008.
• A pledge to ensure that all people with cancer should receive information and advice on financial support and benefits.  Patients of working age will also be offered information and advice on returning to work.
• A recognition of the importance of 'what if' discussions which act as a catalyst for effective supportive and palliative care when someone is probably in the last year of life.
• The development of an Environmental Quality Mark for high quality cancer environments. Again, Macmillan will help lead on this work.

In many ways the hard work starts now. We need to make sure the strategy doesn't remain as simply words on a page. Macmillan will be working in partnership with the government, NHS, other charities and people affected by cancer to ensure these excellent initiatives are properly implemented.

>" name=ALINK0 itabindex="" anchorName="">Read the full Cancer Reform Strategy at www.dh.gov.uk >>

If you would like more information about what Macmillan wants from the Cancer Reform Strategy, or you would like to help us campaign, please contact campaigns@macmillan.org.uk or go to Campaigns >>