Assessment of strategy for improving cancer outcomes published
The first annual report on the strategy for improving cancer outcomes highlights the progress on implementation of the strategy and on improving cancer outcomes.
Improving outcomes: a strategy for cancer annual report 2011, outlines the progress made this year in developing new structures, which will deliver the improved outcomes, and more immediate achievements.
The report notes that there are still many challenges in terms of achieving the quality of cancer services and outcomes that the strategy set out to deliver.
Achievements include:
- improved data collection and analysis
- expansion of the cancer screening programmes
- campaigns to improve the public’s awareness of cancer symptoms and to encourage them to present promptly to the doctor
- surgical training programmes and
- reducing inpatient bed days.
The report highlights challenges for the year ahead:
- moving forward on piloting flexible sigmoidoscopy bowel screening
- a national awareness campaign on bowel cancer
- improving diagnostic capacity and productivity
- the needs of survivors in different post-treatment phases
- providing information to commissioners and providers about patients’ experience of care and
- giving support to tackle issues such as information provision and better communication.
Improving outcomes: A strategy for cancer, published in January 2011, stated the importance of assessing progress on delivery of the strategy during transition to the new health and care system and beyond.