Experts urge more cancer care innovation amid survival rate slowdown

Oncology experts have called for more innovation as figures show Britain’s progress in improving cancer survival rates is at its slowest in 50 years.

A report, commissioned by Cancer Research UK, has found that progress in cancer survival in the UK is now slower than it has been for 50 years, warning the country lags behind other nations, including Australia, Canada, Denmark and Norway in tackling the disease.

The study found cancer waiting times across the country are among the worst on record, with too many cancers diagnosed at a late stage and unequal access to treatment.

Now oncology experts are arguing the UK government should move from a mindset of  “sticking with what works” and roll out more innovative technologies to help patients access the latest treatment options available.

“We need to move fast to address the changing landscape of cancer,” said Dr Monique Gary, breast surgical oncologist at Grand View Health.

“We need to invite the relevant stakeholders to the table, and in the case of breast cancer, primarily women, and listen to what women are saying to develop technologies that are accessible, affordable, scalable and most importantly, adoptable.

“Moving from a fixed mindset of ‘sticking with what works’ in the present to a growth mindset that is ready to challenge the status-quo and adopt innovation takes the perfect blend of research, careful vetting, private public partnerships that work and ultimately lead to policy change.”

Dr April Spencer, a breast surgical oncologist and lecturer on breast cancer and breast health, said: “We have to start investing our time and our resources in to research development of new technologies so that scientific discoveries can go from bench to bedside in not only a safe and effective manner but in a timely fashion so people can benefit from the most up-to-date medical treatment during their lifetime.

“The prioritisation of scientific support in policymaking is also crucial. When policymakers overlook or undervalue scientific input, it can lead to inefficient implementation of new technologies, missed opportunities for advancements, and potential risks to society.”

Although the pace of adopting technologies in the NHS had accelerated following the pandemic, the health service is still slow to adopt new technological ideas.

A King’s Fund report, published in June 2023, concluded that few new technologies are systematically deployed in the health and care system and none have reached their full potential. 

Studies also show the NHS takes too long to adopt NICE-approved treatments and therapies.

It is no longer news that we are among the last countries in Europe to initiate systemic anticancer therapies that have been proven to improve survival in randomised phase 3 trials,” said Dr Olubukola Ayodele, consultant medical oncologist at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

“There have been cuts to research funding, leading to longer times to get clinical trials set up, making the UK unattractive to global sponsorship and participation in clinical trials.

“Recently, the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) announced that it was closing down due to a lack of funding. Decisions such as this could further put innovations in cancer treatment at risk.”

Ayodele said the government should do more to ensure women have access to care.

“The inequalities in access to healthcare among the four nations are evident in cancer prevention, diagnosis and outcomes. However, having access to the best and latest treatment options is essential to improving cancer survival,” she said.

“Prevention is also key. About 40 per cent of cancers can be prevented. Therefore, targeted public awareness campaigns that support positive health behaviours should be implemented.”

Helen Dickens, deputy chief executive at Target Ovarian Cancer, said: “It is paramount that the UK government focuses on the fundamentals of ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment, as there are key areas not being addressed which could benefit from innovation.

“Prioritising investment in ovarian cancer research, publicising national symptoms awareness campaigns and providing training and support for GPs could result in more lives saved from this devastating disease.

“A combination of these tactics could mean that more women are diagnosed at the earliest stage, opposed to a later stage when the cancer is harder to treat. It could mean that healthcare professionals recognise the symptoms from an initial appointment, and women aren’t waiting three months for a correct diagnosis. And it could mean that more women survive.”