"We need to make cancer a priority" says Wessex cancer doctor

Cancer Research UK is calling for "bold" Government action after revealing a report showing people are more likely to get cancer than fifty years ago.

The charity's report reveals deaths from the illness are down by 22%, but almost 50% more people are being given a cancer diagnosis.

It's prompted Chief Executive, Michelle Mitchell, to say that more can be done.

She said: "This report highlights that over 460 people die from cancer every single day in the UK, and too many cases are diagnosed at a late stage.

"If we want to change that, we need bold action from the UK Government.

"The upcoming National Cancer Plan for England must improve cancer survival, and transform cancer services.

"If this plan is done right, it could save countless lives across England and ensure people affected by cancer live longer, better lives."

Top Wessex doctor backs calls for action

Greatest Hits Radio spoke to Dr Richard Roope from the Wessex Cancer Alliance, who told us people living longer is one of the root causes of high rates of diagnosis, with old age a significant contributing factor.

Dr Roope agreed with the calls for more to be done.

"We need more GPS. We know it's very difficult to get in to see a GP at the moment," he said, adding: "We're in the situation now where demand is creeping up faster than capacity is creeping up, so we need new investment into personnel, but we also need additional investments into the what we call the diagnostics, so your blood test, your scans your CT scans, etc."

Dr Roope urged the public not to worry about wasting professionals time if they have cancer concerns.

He said people mustn't be frightened or embarrassed to talk about their bodies, saying it's critical we engage with the health system: "We would far rather see people who have a concern and be able to reassure them than have someone sitting at home with an early cancer which before too long becomes a later cancer."

Dr Roope told us that the UK spends less of its health budget on cancer care compared to some other health systems.

"We probably need to make cancer an even higher priority," he said.

He added that cancer causes more premature deaths in the UK than heart disease, stroke, respiratory and liver conditions combined.

Prevention a major key

Dr Roope stressed the need for prevention, highlighting how we could do that.

While smoking rates are down, he told us there is still "some way" to go with that, as well as telling us we need a "complete revisit on diets and exercise", saying: "The weight issue we've got at the moment is a really issue and we need to be addressing that."

He also said we need to be considering alcohol intake, which can cause a few cancers, including breast and bowel cancer.

Dr Roope continued, saying the other big preventative measure we can take is protecting ourselves from the sun, saying skin cancer remains a major problem.

Government pledges to tackle cancer issues

The Department for Health and Social Care says it's promising to see cancer mortality rates down, but admits there is still more work to be done.

It's hoped that the obesity crisis will be thwarted by giving more powers to block new fast-food outlets near schools, while also clamping down on junk food adverts on TV and online.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is expected to create a smoke-free generation by phasing out the sale of tobacco products and reducing the harms of passive smoking.

A DHSC spokesperson said: “Our Plan for Change is already making an impact, with 90,000 extra patients having cancer diagnosed or ruled out since July than in the previous year - and the highest ever proportion of patients getting a diagnosis or an all clear within four weeks in February.

“By continuing to invest in modern technology and equipment, working with the life sciences sector to develop cutting-edge treatments, and reforming the NHS so we reach patients far earlier, we will make NHS cancer care fit for the future.”