Stop cancer becoming the Forgotten 'C'

Download our guide to help you take action if you think you are not receiving the right care:

• Cancer and coronavirus - know your rights in England (PDF)

We know that there are millions of people living with cancer who still need the right care, treatment and support right now. We also know that the third wave of this pandemic is very sadly causing more disruption to people’s cancer care.

The Government published a recovery plan for cancer services at the end of last year which runs up to the end of March 2021, but that was before anyone knew the impact this third wave would have on services.

The Government must ensure cancer is a priority throughout this third wave. We need urgent action and commitments to:

• tackle the backlog, and to guarantee the NHS the resources it needs to meet increased demand
• ensure access to all and any independent sector capacity
• make sure every person diagnosed with cancer has the fully personalised care they need
• publish a long term plan showing how cancer treatment will return as soon as possible.

Download our guide to help you take action if you think you are not receiving the right care:

• Cancer and coronavirus - know your rights in Northern Ireland (PDF)

We know that there are many people living with cancer in Northern Ireland who still need the right care, treatment and support right now. We also know that the third wave of this pandemic is very sadly causing more disruption to people’s cancer care.

In October, the Executive published a rebuilding plan for cancer services in Northern Ireland. The Executive must ensure cancer is a priority throughout this third wave.

We need urgent action to:

• make sure every person diagnosed with cancer has the fully personalised care they need
• guarantee cancer services will have the resources they need to meet increased demand in the coming months.

Without immediate action, cancer services will feel the impact of COVID-19 long into the future.

Download our guide to help you take action if you think you are not receiving the right care:

• Cancer and coronavirus - know your rights in Scotland (PDF)

We know that there are many people living with cancer in Scotland who still need the right care, treatment and support right now.

In December 2020, the Scottish Government published the cancer recovery plan for 2020-2023. Macmillan’s key aims are to implement this plan focusing on:

• a reduction in the size of the current cancer diagnosis, treatment and care backlog
• a personalised approach to care for every cancer patient, supporting their emotional, financial and physical, as well as clinical, needs
• all cancer screening programmes to continue during lockdown.

Download our guide to help you take action if you think you are not receiving the right care:

• Cancer and coronavirus - know your rights in Wales (PDF)

We know many people had their cancer diagnosis and treatment interrupted during the first wave of the pandemic, and that the third wave is also impacting services in some areas.

We also know many people might still feel worried about accessing NHS services and coming forward with potential signs and symptoms of cancer. In the first wave, this led to a significant number of missed diagnoses and subsequent worse outcomes for those who have now entered the system much later than they ordinarily would have.

We want the Welsh Government to take positive action by:

• developing a comprehensive plan to reduce the existing backlog in diagnosis and treatment that has built up as quickly as possible
• guaranteeing personalised care as a priority in the recovery, ensuring people with cancer are fully supported with their physical, practical and emotional needs
• funding a sustained public awareness campaign to encourage people to speak with their GP should they be concerned about signs and symptoms of cancer
• prioritising the next phase of the Welsh Cancer Delivery Plan and working with Macmillan to create a positive vision for the next generation of cancer care.