Take action for swifter diagnosis
Because fast and accurate diagnoses of blood cancer will mean people affected live longer.
> UK Blood Cancer Action Plan
The problem: delayed diagnosis
GPs may suspect their patient has blood cancer, but the symptoms often don't fit a referral pathway. Patients who aren't directed towards urgent referral experience severe and sometimes life-threatening delays in diagnosis. This can have devastating consequences, including:
- Fewer treatment options,
- Poorer quality of life,
- Potential for reduced life expectancy.
The findings: what people affected by blood cancer told us
- Around one in three people see their GP three or more times before being diagnosed.
- More than a quater of all new blood cancer diagnoses present as an emergency.
- In England, the Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS) ensures patients are diagnosed with or ruled out for cancer within 28 days of referral. Contrastingly, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland follow a different standard, allowing up to 62 days for diagnosis and treatment.
The action: write to your political representative
We have set out recommendations for the NHS to close the diagnosis gap. We've suggested they develop urgent referral pathways, address the barriers preventing people from certain groups from receiving a timely blood cancer diagnosis, and more.
Whether you are a healthcare professional or someone affected by blood cancer, you have the power to take action today and create a brighter future for people with blood cancer.
Wherever you live in the UK, you can inform your political representative about these barriers today using our tool, ensuring your letter reaches the right person with the most effective wording. If you hear back from your local representative, please forward any responses onto our policy team.
Because anyone could take action today that could make a difference tomorrow.
UK Blood Cancer Action Plan at a glance
Digest a summary of our report which includes our key findings and recommendations for health and government bodies across the UK.
The Blood Cancer Action Plan has been funded by BMS, Gilead, J&J, MSD, Novartis and Takeda in 2023 and 2024. These organisations provided funding but had no further input.
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