Co-chaired by Professor Sir Cyril Chantler Professor Sir Cyril Chantler, Chair of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, and Jonathan Shaw, Chief Executive of Policy Connect, in the Attlee Suite at Portcullis House; the event emphasised earlier and faster diagnosis of cancer.
Speakers included Michael Chapman, Director of Information and Involvement, Cancer Research UK who looked at how the UK’s cancer outcomes fare when compared to other countries. Professor Peter Johnson, Chief Clinician, Cancer Research UK focused on cancer pathways and the difficulties in getting a cancer diagnosis. Professor Chris Harrison, National Clinical Director for Cancer, NHS England spoke about the scale of the challenge to improve outcomes and the 16 Cancer Alliances in the UK.
Speaking to an audience of parliamentarians, policy makers and clinicians, the President welcomed the shared mission to join up the science with the patient. Dr Lishman raised the point that producing an early diagnosis is actually harder than producing a late diagnosis and that for every person diagnosed with early cancer, there will be many more who do not turn out to have cancer and this in itself creates a significant workload. Whilst the current focus, not unreasonably, is on endoscopy, Dr Lishman warned that ignoring pathology will only create a “bottle neck” one step further along the line.
The President added that pathology is at present under significant pressure as it has experienced a year on year increase in workload without an increase in workforce. Moreover this workload has also become increasingly complex. Pathology requires increased investment, particularly as a result of the pressure on pathology departments to consolidate. Pathologists must be present as key members of multidisciplinary teams, rather than being pushed away from clinicians and patients. With regards to digital pathology, there is great potential in being able to move images around the country and world. However, this also requires significant investment. Dr Lishman concluded by arguing for a sensible commissioning framework for molecular diagnostics.
The President expressed her gratitude to the speakers and the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group for highlighting the challenges and stressed the commitment of the College to earlier and faster diagnosis.
The full summary of the event from the APHG is available on their website.
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