Government announce new technology projects into cancer detection
United Kingdom
The government has announced a number of new partnerships backed by public and private sector investment to tackle cancer and other diseases. The funding is aimed with faster diagnoses and better treatments in mind, using innovative technologies and approaches.
This is really good news, but misses the opportunity to address the urgent need for improved data and information sharing within the NHS to improve diagnosis.
- Dr Rubina Ahmed, Blood Cancer UK
Our expert reaction
Our Director of Research, Policy and Services, Dr Rubina Ahmed, reacted to the news by saying:
“The new investment towards improving cancer detection from the government is promising and is in line with several recommendations we’ve made to improve blood cancer survival across the UK in our Blood Cancer Action Plan.
“More than one quarter of all new blood cancer cases are diagnosed via an emergency admission to hospital. Late diagnoses can lead to fewer treatment options for those with blood cancer and ultimately impact survival, so the announcement of funding for an AI platform to help streamline the diagnosis of blood cancer is a welcome step.
“The announcement also includes £6.4m for new infrastructure to pull together digital pathology data from across the NHS together to inform and speed up research. This is really good news, but misses the opportunity to address the urgent need for improved data and information sharing within the NHS to improve diagnosis.
“The stark reality is that too many people are still dying from blood cancer and we’ll continue to work to see the ambitious recommendations outlined in the UK Blood Cancer Action Plan implemented.”
What did the Government say
As a cancer survivor, I know how vital an early cancer diagnosis and the latest treatments are.
- Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care Secretary
Mr Streeting also said:
This investment will not only save lives, but also secure Britain’s status as a powerhouse for life sciences and medical technology.
“When we combine the care of the NHS and the genius of our country’s leading scientific minds, we can develop life changing treatments for patients and help get Britain’s economy booming.”
