Cancer

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Wednesday 8th December 2010, One Great George Street - London, 08:45 - 14:00 (half day)

Delivering Cancer Reform: Prevention, Diagnosis and Improving Outcomes

Overview

More than 1 in 3 people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. With 27% of all deaths in the UK due to cancer, radical action is needed to reduce the incidence of cancer and to build on the work undertaken to improve mortality rates.

The Coalition Government has signalled their commitment to continuing the improvement of cancer services. The coalition announced plans to set up a cancer drugs fund with an initial start up of £50 million and an expected annual budget of £200 million. The Government have also announced the abolition of targets and to instead renew a focus on patient outcomes.

Back in 2007, the Cancer Reform Strategy was published. It set out a 5 year plan for the transformation of cancer services. Considerable progress has been made since the launch of the strategy. Cancer mortality rates have fallen – age standardised mortality rates for cancer are now 20% lower than in 1990. Waiting times for consultations have also reduced - latest Department of Health statistics show that 95.6% of patients are seen by a specialist within 2 weeks of referral.

The Cancer Reform Strategy reported that over half of all cancers could potentially be prevented by lifestyle changes. It found that a cross-government, multi-agency approach to tackle the major risk factors, including smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and a lack of regular exercise; as well as improving public awareness and encouraging individuals to make lifestyle changes, are all crucial to improving cancer outcomes.

Agenda

As GPs are given greater power to commission services, this forum will discuss the latest policy and practice developments in cancer services. Sessions will examine how to reduce incidences of preventative cancers and what more can be done to improve the patient experience and survival rates.

08:45	Registration and Coffee
09:15	Chair’s Welcome Address Professor John Smyth, Assistant Principal, Cancer Research Development, University of Edinburgh and Editor, European Journal of Cancer (CONFIRMED)
09:30	Opening Keynote: Transformations in Cancer Care Reducing inequalities in access to cancer care Effective early diagnosis – accessible and inclusive care On-going improvement – introduction of the 1 year cancer survival rate Reflections on the use of targets and focus on outcomes Likely impact of the Cancer Drugs Fund John Baron MP, Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer (CONFIRMED)
09:50	Question and Answer Session
10:00	Improvements in Service in Delivery Commissioning innovative services – joined-up cancer pathways Personalising cancer care Evaluating services and treatments Coordination and continuity in care Sharing information - the work of the National Cancer Intelligence Network Improving early diagnosis rates Clinical engagement – driving forward improvements in care Improving patient safety Dr Michael Peake, National Clinical Lead, NHS Cancer Improvement and Clinical Lead, National Cancer Intelligence Network (CONFIRMED)
10:20	Combating Cancer – Opportunities and Implementation of Industry/Academia Collaborations The rationale for collaboration Integrating academic collaborations into an overall development strategy Experience to date ‘Win-win’ collaborations Future opportunities and potential barriers Chris Wilks, Clinical Programme Director, AstraZeneca (CONFIRMED)
10:40	Question and Answer Session
11:00	Coffee and Networking
11:30	Promoting Research and Increasing Public Information Promoting funding into cancer research – improving surgical care and developments in healthcare Promoting participation in national screening and immunization programmes Opening access to clinical trials – driving forward innovation Ensuring research is integrated with care Increasing public awareness of the early symptoms of cancer Empowering patients – improving choice, access to information and inclusion in the decision process Professor Matt Seymour, Director, National Cancer Research Network (NCRN) (CONFIRMED)
11:50	Supporting Patients – Living With and Beyond Cancer Supporting the families of those fighting cancer Providing care in the community setting The financial impact of living with cancer Supporting cancer survivors to re-enter education and employment Improving the experiences of those living with cancer Lorraine Clifton, Chief Executive, CLIC Sargent (CONFIRMED)
12:10	Question and Answer Session
12:30	Closing Keynote: Challenges for Cancer Reform The likely impact of the Cancers Drug Fund Continuing improvement in cancer survival rates Measuring and improving the patient experience Ensuring service improvements are directed to the most disadvantaged groups Improving the patient experience Learning lessons – international comparisons for cancer services Professor Karol Sikora, Medical Director, Cancer Partners UK (CONFIRMED)
12:50	Question and Answer Session & Chair's Summary
13:00	Lunch and Networking
14:00	Close

*programme subject to change without notice

Audience

Delegates attending this forum will include PCT's, NHS, health authorities, central and local government, education, social care and business sectors specifically; directors of cancer services, clinical oncologists, GPs, commissioning directors, heads of procurement, research and development managers, heads of innovation and development, social care directors, communication & marketing directors, project directors, heads of PCT’s, directors of public health, HR managers, health and wellbeing mangers, chief nurses, head teachers, heads of health charities.