Rob has pledged to support the recommendations set out in a Parliamentary Inquiry report, which has concluded that NHS treatment for pancreatic cancer is not patient-centred, well co-ordinated or efficient.
On Monday 25th November, during the awareness month for the disease, Rob attended the launch of the report at a reception held by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pancreatic Cancer. The APPG warns that much greater focus is needed in order tackle this disease, which is set to overtake breast cancer as the 4th biggest cancer killer in the UK by 2030.
Pancreatic cancer currently has the lowest survival rate of the 21 most common cancers and there has hardly been any improvement in survival rates from the disease in the last forty years.
The APPG took evidence between May and September 2013 - including over 50 formal submissions from patients, their families and carers, as well as GPs, secondary health clinicians, nurses, NHS officials, professional bodies, the Department of Health and charities. The group also held five oral evidence sessions.
A new report, Time to Change the Story: a plan of action for pancreatic cancer, developed as a result of the Inquiry highlights a lack of understanding of the disease and its impact. From the evidence presented at the Inquiry it is clear there is erroneous belief that pancreatic cancer is a rare cancer, affecting small numbers of mostly elderly, male patients.
The report sets out twelve specific recommendations including the need to:
- raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and its symptoms
- undertake a whole-sale review of referral pathways and diagnostic services (like CT scans) that are available to GPs
- carry out a comprehensive audit of pancreatic cancer treatment in order to understand why everyone diagnosed with this disease may not have access to the same high quality care.
Rob said “It is shocking how little progress has been made over the last four decades to increase survival rates. One challenge is that early diagnosis is difficult because Pancreatic cancer doesn’t usually give rise to any symptoms or signs in the first stages. I recommend people read the information on www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk which sets out clearly the possible signs and symptoms.”