Sign the petition: urge the Government to improve the experience and outcomes for people affected by cancer

Last month, Health Secretary Steve Barclay announced a major policy change concerning cancer care in the UK. Abandoning the 10-Year Cancer Plan, due to be released this year, the government will now have one overarching strategy for six major conditions, including cancer.

That’s why we’re joining over 60 cancer charities to call on the Government to put the needs of cancer patients first.

Our Director of Support & Influencing, Chiara de Biase, reflects on what this new strategy means for men affected by prostate cancer, and why we must act now.

“We’re very disappointed that the 10-Year Cancer Plan will no longer be published and used to guide cancer services in the UK. The Plan went through a lengthy consultation process in which we were involved, and was also made possible thanks to the support of countless men affected by prostate cancer, who shared their experiences and helped shape what the best cancer care should look like in the UK.”

The Government will now publish a five-year “Major Conditions Strategy” that includes cancer along with cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, dementia, mental health and musculoskeletal disorders.

“We know that many men with prostate cancer will also have other significant physical and mental health conditions, so we welcome the approach to patient care which works across specific conditions.

“But this is a hugely ambitious task, and it will have to be matched by sufficient funding and a clear implementation plan. Without the necessary commitment, this new Strategy is a watered-down set of aspirations for the countless families affected by cancer in the UK."

Last year, 14,850 of you signed our letter inviting the Government to work with us to improve the treatment and care of men living with prostate cancer. We were grateful to get a response on 27 January 2023 from Helen Whately, Minister of State for Care, but we were underwhelmed with some of the details which leave a lot of questions about the clear priorities we set out. It must also be considered within the wider context of the Government cancelling the 10-Year Cancer Plan. You can read the full response. 

“That’s why we’re standing with 60 other cancer charities as One Cancer Voice, urging the Government to meet the needs of people affected by cancer and improve the outcomes for cancer patients, today and in the future.”

The Government must:

• Make sure the cancer elements of the upcoming Major Conditions Strategy are ambitious, fully funded, and inclusive of the voices and evidence from the cancer community.
• Commit to a longer-term strategy for cancer which focuses on transforming cancer research, diagnosis, treatment, and patient experience.

Will you join us to help make sure everyone affected by cancer gets the care, treatment and support they deserve?

Sign the petition now

The petition, hosted by Cancer Research UK, is being supported and shared by over 60 cancer charities, uniting together as One Cancer Voice.