Reform response to the RCR annual workforce survey
Commenting on the Royal College of Radiologists report published today, Claudia Martinez, Reform Research Manager, said:
“As well as boosting the number of oncologists, the NHS can up its efforts to stop people getting cancer in the first place. Better collection and use of data will help pinpoint those most at risk of the disease for treatment.”
The think tank has previously found that NHS leaders should collect much more data on cancer patients including survival, treatment, patient experience and medical history.
Reform has previously called for Public Health England’s cancer dashboard to be extended to include new categories of data, such as treatment, medical history and quality of life.
With better analysis, Reform predicts improvements in the prevention of cancer, earlier diagnosis and effectiveness of treatment.
For example, almost 40 per cent of all cancer cases in England are caused by preventable factors such as obesity and smoking. GPs can use insight from the cancer dashboard on lifestyle and genetics to help those at risk make healthier lifestyle choices.