Blood Cancer UK disappointed by the Government’s ‘Major Conditions Strategy’
The Government’s Department of Health and Social Care announced a new UK wide ‘Major Conditions Strategy’, which they say will try to alleviate pressure on the health system. In 2022, the UK government had promised a 10-year cancer plan, however this new Major Conditions Strategy will now supersede this.
In a written statement, the Department of Health and Social Care said:
“This work combines our key commitments in mental health, cancer, dementia and health disparities into a single, powerful strategy.”
Our Chief Executive, Helen Rowntree, said:
“Last year, the Government promised an ambitious, targeted long-term cancer plan to make England a ‘world leading’ force in cancer care. It’s incredibly disappointing to see this commitment replaced with a five-year Major Conditions Strategy, covering several health conditions, without a single, laser-focus on cancer.
“The 5,000 submissions made to the 10 Year Cancer Plan consultation highlight the severity and breadth of the issues facing people with cancer. One third of people with blood cancer need to see their doctor more than twice before being diagnosed and this needs to improve, as the earlier you are diagnosed, the better chances of treatment being successful.
“Blood Cancer UK, along with other cancer charities, are calling on the Government to keep their promise to deliver a long-term, fully-funded cancer plan to transform outcomes for people with blood cancer as quickly as possible.”
An interim report on the Major Conditions Strategy is set to be published in the summer. To hear more from Helen Rowntree, follow her on Twitter here.