Informed

NHS plans to support all cancer survivors by 2012

An update on the first year of the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative (NCSI) [1] was published by the Department of Health and Macmillan Cancer Support in January. Their vision is that, by 2012, all cancer survivors will receive support and improved care.

Over 1.6 million people in England are currently living with cancer. With the population ageing and survival improving, this number is predicted to grow to over 3 million by 2030 [1]. Thus, improving the services for cancer survivors will become crucial.

The NCSI envisions that all cancer survivors should have access to a personalised care plan and specialist medical care alongside information and support to self-manage their condition. Supported self-management to help patients make lifestyle changes is a key factor in the NCSI vision. Lifestyle factors including physical activity and diet can delay cancer progression, reduce relapse and treatment side effects and improve quality of life and survival [2, 3]. However, according to the Macmillan Health and Well Being Survey [1], one third of cancer survivors are unaware of the importance of healthy lifestyles. The survey also found that 42 per cent would like more information on diet, physical activity, and weight and stress management.

The document also includes examples of innovative practice and 38 community pilot studies aimed at improving the quality of care. Results and advice for NHS workers will be published later this year.

You can find up-to-date lifestyle recommendations for cancer survivors in WCRF UK's booklet Eating Well and Being Active Following Cancer Treatment and additional advice in our Health Professionals’ Guide to Supporting Cancer Survivors.

References

1. The NCSI vision, 2010 [online]. Available from: www.ncsi.org.uk
2. Irwin M.L. et al (2008) J ClinOnc, 26(24): 3958-64
3. WCRF/AICR. Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective. Washington DC: AICR, 2007