Cancer charity Sarcoma UK is calling on the Health Secretary, Victoria Atkins, to ensure earlier diagnosis and better care for sarcoma patients.
In a letter to Ms Atkins ahead of World Cancer Day on Sunday (4 February), Sarcoma UK Chief Executive Richard Davidson has offered to meet her to discuss how faster progress can be made on four key issues:
- late diagnosis
- referral pathways into the NHS
- treatment options
- support for mental health and wellbeing
Poor awareness of sarcoma symptoms among healthcare professionals, made worse by a complex referral pathway that varies across the country, means that sarcomas can be misdiagnosed, diagnosed late or simply ignored. In addition, not enough is known about the causes of sarcoma and how it could be effectively targeted with new treatments. Mr Davidson also called for joined-up support for the physical and mental healthcare needs of sarcoma patients and their families.
In the letter, he said: “I very much look forward to hearing from you and hope you will meet with me to discuss how we can work together to deliver the progress we both want to see for sarcoma patients.”
The theme of this year’s World Cancer Day is ‘Close the Care Gap’, highlighting the need for everyone to have access to quality cancer care services when, where and how they need them.
Download our letter to the Rt Hon Victoria Atkins MP, Secretary of State Health and Social Care.
