Following the Government’s launch of the new National Cancer Plan, Martin joined experts and patients at a Westminster event hosted by Radiotherapy UK to discuss the vital role of radiotherapy in improving cancer survival rates.
Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of modern medicine, contributing to roughly 40% of all cancer cures. However, new data discussed at the event reveals a stark disparity in access. While the national standard for starting cancer treatment is 62 days, radiotherapy currently faces some of the most significant delays in the NHS. In some of the worst cases, only 20% of patients are receiving this life-saving treatment within the two-month target.
Tackling Treatment Delays
The event event in Parliament was an opportunity to highlight to MPs that without targeted investment and a clear strategy, local patients could continue to face unacceptable waits compared to those receiving surgery or chemotherapy.
Commenting, Martin said: "It was a privilege to meet with Radiotherapy UK to mark World Cancer Day and the launch of the National Cancer Plan. While the ambition of the new Plan is welcome, we must ensure that the rhetoric is matched by delivery on the ground.
"Radiotherapy is a highly effective, non-invasive treatment, yet it often lags behind other therapies in terms of priority and funding. I want to ensure that my constituents in Brigg and Immingham have access to the very best technology. We cannot allow radiotherapy to remain the 'hidden' pillar of cancer care."
Further to attending the above event, Martin also attended the National Cancer Plan debate in the House of Commons to ask the minister about the issue of access to radiotherapy. You can read Martin's question and the minister's reply below.
Martin Vickers
Further to the exchanges about radiotherapy, I understand that the national figure for access to radiotherapy is 53%, which itself does not seem particularly high. However, the figure for my Brigg and Immingham constituency, which falls in the Yorkshire and the Humber region, is only 35%. Could the Minister give some assurance to my constituents about progress on increasing that figure, and when does she think we can reach the national average?
Ashley Dalton
Through the spending review, providers have been allocated £15 billion in operational capital for local priorities and £5 billion to support the return to constitutional standards on radiotherapy. Responsibility for purchasing new machines sits at local level, and we expect local systems to continue to invest in new machines to meet the ambitious targets and to meet their local needs.
