APPG on Breast Cancer highlights a 'mixed picture' in outcomes and care in England

We were both delighted to attend the launch of a new report today, outlining the geographical variations that still persist across England in the care and treatment of women and men with breast cancer. We both spent many years working for Macmillan Cancer Support so retain a keen interest in cancer policy announcements. Plus, cancer care can often be a trailblazer for innovation which (eventually) translates over to other long-term conditions.

The report is the result of a year long inquiry held by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer, whose secretariat is provided by the charity Breast Cancer Now. The APPG held four oral inquiry sessions, as well as hosting focus groups with patients and receiving written evidence from charities, healthcare professionals, CCGs and patients.

Despite reducing geographical variation being a key pledge of the Cancer Taskforce's report in 2015 (which we were both involved in), and also a key feature of the 5 Year Forward View and subsequent reports, it seems there is still geographical variation in England. Survival for people with breast cancer has improved, but our takeaway from the report is that a patient in the North East can't be sure they're getting the same service as someone on the South Coast. This causes considerable worry for people when they need to be focused on their treatment and getting better.

Our view: the solution is investing in the workforce. It takes many people with different skills and experience to deliver world class cancer care to a patient. If any part of the workforce within the cancer pathway is unavailable or pressured, then delays and gaps will occur in care. In our view, 'it's the workforce, stupid' seems to be the unspoken refrain to the NHS's woes in the last few years. Solving the workforce problem means support for NHS staff to develop and learn so that staff are retained, ensuring posts are filled so that staff are not overly pressured, and investing in the future workforce by making sure there are newly skilled people ready to take over as people retire. It also means looking to the future and making sure that new roles are developed alongside new technologies. Health Education England has a vital role to play in making sure that the workforce is sufficient and it is good to see it is now starting to lead the way via its publication of workforce strategies, including the first ever cancer workforce plan. Let's hope these plans make a difference so that every patient can be sure they are getting world class care and treatment.