Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Uttoxeter Echo. This column was originally featured in the 2nd February print edition.
For the last two years the coronavirus pandemic has been the biggest concern to public health for obvious reasons but that has not meant that other illnesses and diseases have receded. Throughout the pandemic the NHS has continued to maintain health services wherever possible, particularly for urgent care and treatment.
This Friday (4th February) is World Cancer Day and it is an important opportunity to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.
It is estimated that 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime and if we don’t get it ourselves, someone we know, or love will. Whilst it is very welcome that cancer survival rates have increased year-on-year over the past decade, there is of course more that needs to be done to ensure fewer people hear the C word and naturally fear a terminal outcome.
Investment in research is key and has been critical in achieving the rise in survival rates. It is welcome that in last year’s Spending Review the Government announced it would commit £5 billion for health-related research and development, this is an increase of £1.2 billion on previous commitments.
Early detection and treatment are also vitally important for securing better outcomes for patients. Last year, I was pleased to be able to secure assurances from our local NHS Trust that the mobile Breast Cancer screening unit would return to Uttoxeter at the Leisure Centre for a number of months in Autumn 2021. This allowed ladies registered with a GP practice in Uttoxeter and Rocester to get screened locally, rather than traveling to Queen’s Hospital in Burton or further afield.
I would encourage residents to contact their GP with concerns about their health, particularly for suspected cancer symptoms. The Government has been clear that waiting lists will be tackled with the biggest catch-up programme in the NHS's history and I am reassured that cancer patients will continue to be prioritised.
