i can issue 6

Looking forward

Dr Ian Gibson MP

As Harold Wilson once said, 'A week is a long time in politics'. As I began writing this, Alan Milburn was still Secretary of State for Health. I was also eagerly awaiting his response to speak at this year's Britain Against Cancer conference. This is hosted annually by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer – established in 1997 to raise and maintain the issue of cancer on the political agenda, since when significant improvements have been made in the research and treatment of the disease.

The work started by Frank Dobson and inherited by Alan Milburn – now taken up by John Reid – identified cancer as a disease deserving a plan with the aim to save lives, improve patients' experience of care, reduce inequalities and build for the future. This year, the NHS Cancer Plan reaches the three-year mark (more on this in issue 7 – Ed). The Group welcomes improvements to date, but acknowledges there is still a lot more to do.

Monitoring funds is one priority. Following anecdotal evidence from clinicians suggesting that money destined for improvements in cancer services had been deployed elsewhere in the NHS, the government carried out an audit into missing cancer funds. The results confirmed money had not reached its proper destination in the first year, showing the need for proper monitoring methods – similar to the system in Scotland – to ensure that each pound specified for cancer services can be traced and properly spent.

The establishment of NICE in 1999 has allowed many patients to receive new and improved drugs and reduced some of the effects of the 'postcode lottery'. But even though NICE guidance must now be funded and implemented by health authorities within three months of publication, there are still disparities in prescribing patterns and uptake of innovative oncology products. In addition, greater clarity is needed from the Department of Health about who is responsible for monitoring the implementation of NICE guidance and systems to fully ensure new treatments are prescribed for patients.

Even though investment in new CT scanners, MRI scanners and radiotherapy machines is starting to filter through to the frontline, a recent survey carried out by The Society of Radiographers states that hospital staff shortages are causing patients to wait months for scans or radiotherapy treatment. New initiatives are needed to recruit and retain appropriate staff so that patients receive treatment within specified targets laid down in the NHS Cancer Plan.

With the appointment of John Reid as Health Secretary, it is an excellent opportunity for the government to reaffirm its commitment to cancer as a health priority. The All-Party Group will urge Dr Reid to do this. It will also help by identifying problems at the Britain Against Cancer conference on 22 October – with solutions to be incorporated in the next cancer plan.

Ian Gibson
MP for Norwich North; Chairman, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer and Chairman, House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology