May 2024
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This conference discussed priorities for cancer services in Scotland, assessing government policy and what will be needed to achieve aims for improved prevention and early diagnosis.
It brought together stakeholders and policymakers to examine implementation and next steps for the National Cancer Strategy 2023 to 2033, and its focus on holistic and person-centred care, raising early diagnosis rates, reducing rates of lung cancer, expanding the network of Urology Diagnostic Hubs, and tackling recruitment issues and improving workforce wellbeing.
Delegates assessed priorities for improving workforce retention and recruitment of specialist staff such as oncologists and radiologists, with the aim to reduce the cancer treatment backlog, as well as tackling regional variation, with a focus on tackling longstanding challenges around delivering equitable access to care in Scotland.
Discussion also explored priorities moving forward for the Cancer action plan 2023 to 2026 and progress so far, including providing clarity on financing and resourcing.
Further sessions assessed options for improving screening and the role of innovation, new technologies, and the potential application of AI.
The conference included a focus on targets for lung cancer detection and survivorship, including the role of anti-smoking campaigns, as well as wider use of Detect Cancer Earlier (DCE) campaigns.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Professor David Cameron, Professor of Oncology and Director of Cancer Services, NHS Lothian at University of Edinburgh; Professor David Morrison, Director, Scottish Cancer Registry, Public Health Scotland; and Ioanna Nixon, Cancer Innovation Lead, West of Scotland Innovation Hub; and Clinical Director Oncology, The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Overall, sessions in the agenda included:
- cancer care in Scotland today: assessing the current landscape - priorities for delivery of quality care across Scotland
- service recovery priorities: high quality palliative care - addressing key workforce challenges - reducing service variation and standardising care - use of new technology - enhancing collaboration
- clinical priorities: innovation in treatment and screening - access to clinical trials - the way forward for improved cancer monitoring and diagnosis rates
- achieving strategic aims: models of prevention and early intervention - progress on lung cancer targets - holistic and personalised care provision - improving prehabilitation and patient outcomes
- policy priorities: next steps for delivering the vision for cancer care in Scotland
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from The Scottish Government; the Welsh Government; and DoH, NI.
