Cancer

Recent publications and developments in cancer care.

Key DH documents about cancer and cancer care, principally for NHS staff and health professionals.

• February 2007: Progress on the cancer reform strategy
• 19 December 2006: Further information on the Cancer Reform Strategy
• 30 November 2006: Cancer waiting targets: A guide (Version 5)
• 30 November 2006: Dear Colleague Letter: Future development of cancer services
• 22 November 2006 - Advice on the development of low dose rate (permanent seed implant) brachytherapy services for localised prostate cancer
• 11 October 2005 - A framework for the development of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) services in England
• 30 August 2005 - Investment in cancer in 2001/02 and 2002/03
• The NHS cancer plan and the new NHS: Providing a patient-centred service
• Variations in usage of cancer drugs approved by NICE - Report of the Review undertaken by the National Cancer Director
• Key cancer strategy documents
• Guidance for the NHS
• ‘Early Days Yet’ - The Primary Care Cancer Lead Clinician (PCCL) Initiative

The National Cancer Research Institute has produced a UK Clinical Guideline on the use of Herceptin for early breast cancer. This provides useful information to those considering prescribing Herceptin for this indication in advance of a decision on licensing and the publication NICE guidance.

An independent evaluation commissioned by Macmillan Cancer Relief and the Department of Health

Regular newsletter of the Cancer Action Team, established in November 1999.

By encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles, the Department aims to reduce the incidence of cancer in England.

Information and guidance about cancer screening programmes.

A long-term goal set in the NHS Cancer Plan was that no suspected cancer patient should have to wait more than a month from time of being referred by their GP, until the start of treatment.

National cancer datasets that ensure consistency across healthcare boundaries were noted as a high priority in the June 2000 Cancer Information Strategy.

The function of the nine regional cancer registries in England is to collect comparable, good quality cancer data and find trends and causal connections.

Initiatives and policies to help train and expand the cancer care workforce.

By 2004, an extra £50 million will be invested to end inequalities in accessing specialist palliative care. The money will also enable the NHS to make a fairer contribution to hospice running costs.

The Cancer Plan promised substantial investment in facilities. The programmes to replace old equipment and provide new additional equipment are well underway.

The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) launched on the 1 April 2001, brings together the major funders of research (including the Government, the voluntary sector and industry) and allows a more strategic approach to identifying and supporting cancer research.

Results of a 2000/2001 survey commissioned to give a patient’s eye view of cancer care in the NHS.

Practical steps to implement the September 2000 NHS Cancer Plan and progress reports. Details of cancer networks, the new integrated regional models for cancer care, and the Cancer Services Collaborative (a national programme for improving cancer care by optimising delivery systems)