To mark World Cancer Day – and the release of the new cancer plan – Radiotherapy UK welcomed Parliamentarians to meet with patients and workforce yesterday; and discuss the urgent need for equal access to radiotherapy.
At another packed event, our team and supporters met with 45 MPs to share evidence of the UK cancer crisis and its impact on their constituents.
From an early read of the cancer plan, it is clear that the government understands how important radiotherapy is; but we are now seeking more detail about how they plan to reach cancer targets that have not been met for many years.
Thankfully, the steps we can take as a country to improve radiotherapy access are clearly mapped out by the APPG for Radiotherapy in our latest report: ‘Elevating radiotherapy in the National Cancer Plan’.
These include:
📍Bringing back an independent National Radiotherapy Advisory Group to build accountability and oversee strategy
📍Reforming the radiotherapy tariff so that modern treatment can be rolled out across the country, with departments fairly paid for the service they deliver
📍Bolstering the radiotherapy workforce by improving retention and supporting the next generation of skilled therapeutic radiographers and healthcare scientists
Yesterday made it very clear that our #CatchUpWithCancer campaign work is more needed than ever. We were delighted to see our concerns reflected in the plan and we will redouble our efforts to make sure that modern radiotherapy is made available to everybody who needs it.
Professor Price talks national cancer plan on BBC Breakfast
Next steps for #CatchUpWithCancer campaign
Radiotherapy UK and the #CatchUpWithCancer campaign will be assessing the new cancer plan thoroughly over the weeks and months to come; and gathering insights from the cancer workforce.
Stay tuned to our website, social media and newsletter for more updates.
We would like to thank everyone who attended our World Cancer Day event; and helped us deliver a declaration of change to 10 Downing Street. Our special thanks to Grahame Morris MP, Vice Chair of the APPG for Radiotherapy, for hosting our event.
Photo gallery: Radiotherapy UK and World Cancer Day
If you attended our event, please let the world know and tag us in your social media posts.
Photos by Liberal Media, commissioned by Radiotherapy UK.
