So the truth is beginning to finally come out. In recent years we have been failing to meet most of the government targets set to deal effectively with cancer. Slipping down the lists of worst outcomes in similar countries. What is the answer to this? Let’s change the targets!! OMG, we have been paying the best brains in the country to help us, against it’s ever increasing challenges with this awful disease. So much time and money has gone into it, and things are getting rapidly worse.

But we are reassured, that our new targeting framework, has been discussed thoroughly with NHS England, Macmillan cancer, cancer Research, and other charities. But correct me if I’m wrong, aren’t these the very people that have presided over the failures that are occurring now? The same old faces, being well paid and honoured, whilst presiding over basic failure. How can we expect anything to improve, whilst still relying on Government lapdogs, awaiting more scraps from the healthcare purse?

cancer care in the UK is in crisis. Years of austerity and chronic underfunding of the NHS, have left services stretched perilously thin. Waiting times for diagnosis and treatment, continue to lengthen, while staff shortages and inadequate resources hamper efforts to deliver timely, high-quality care. Now, proposals to downgrade cancer services, threaten to exacerbate an already dire situation.

If implemented, these measures will almost certainly lead to preventable suffering, and unnecessary loss of life. The plans currently under consideration, would see specialist cancer surgery centralized, in fewer hospitals, with several units facing closure. While proponents argue this will improve outcomes in the remaining centres of excellence, experts warn it will make services less accessible for many patients. Long journeys for surgery and follow-up treatments, place a huge burden on cancer sufferers, many of whom are too unwell to travel far.

This, risks delays in diagnosis, and life-saving operations. Likewise, plans to move some cancer care into community settings sound good on paper. However, they require investment in skilled staff, equipment and facilities – funding that has not been forthcoming. Without adequate resources, community providers cannot hope to deliver the meticulous, expert care that cancer patients rely on. Watering down services, and spreading them thinner, risks seriously impacting quality of care. Meanwhile, continual erosion of cancer workforce levels, poses a grave threat.

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Staff shortages across nursing, specialty cancer doctors, and allied health professionals, are now at crisis point. This brutal lack of human resource, directly translates to delays, late diagnoses and rushed consultations, where doctors do not have the time to discuss options properly, or provide psychological support. Burnout and poor morale are fuelling an exodus of staff, disillusioned with the unbearable stresses of working in crumbling cancer services. cancer outcomes lag behind other comparable countries, with survival rates worsening over the past decade. The UK was ranked a dismal 16th out of 20 European countries for one-year survival in the latest CONCORD-3 study.

While deprivation and risk factors play a role, experts cite under-resourcing of services, as the primary culprit. With cancer incidence in the UK expected to surge by over 60% in the next 20 years, failing to address resourcing shortfalls, will prove disastrous. Rising cancer waiting times are perhaps the clearest indication services are failing. Over the past five years, wait times for lifesaving cancer surgery have ballooned. 1 in 10 patients now wait over a month to begin treatment, after a decision to operate. Excessive delays allow tumours to grow, and cancer to spread. This significantly worsens prognosis, and survival outcomes.

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Failing to tackle delays may reverse hard-won gains in cancer survival. Likewise, MRI and CT scan shortages leave patients in limbo for far too long. Growing backlogs for staging scans, can critically impact the window for beginning treatment. cancer organizations warn shortages risk “creating a perfect storm”, jeopardizing patient outcomes. Sadly, the human cost of these pressures is immeasurable. Behind the statistics, are real people facing heart-breaking diagnoses, without access to expert help and support. Patients denied prompt treatment, or forced to travel miles from home, often experience much poorer quality of life in their final weeks and months. And many lose their lives unnecessarily.

A lowest-bidder approach to cancer care is neither ethically acceptable nor fiscally responsible in the long run. The cancer care crisis unfolding in the UK warrants urgent action. Government must inject targeted funding to improve workforce levels, equipment and capacity. While tough economic conditions engender, difficult spending decisions, short-changing cancer patients is an intolerable false economy. It makes little financial sense to risk the health, productivity and lives of millions.

Patients battling cancer, desperately need the system on their side. They deserve convenient access to expert care, innovative treatments, psychological support and timely operations. Ensuring excellent cancer services requires investment today to save lives tomorrow. The true measure of a society is how it cares for its most vulnerable. With bold, comprehensive reform, we can still deliver the world-class cancer care patients across the UK deserve. The future of the nation’s health depends on it.

You can find a good summary of this situation from cancer Research. Our country has worked so hard to improve all areas of cancer, since my own diagnosis. But in my opinion, what we are witnessing today, will take us generations to recover from. If we ever can. Leaving cancer in this current impasse is totally unsustainable across the globe.

As always these are my personal opinions based on my experiences. If you would like to share your own please comment below.

Related

This post is reviewed and updated each year in time for the U.S. flu season. It was first published October 3, 2019.

Every year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that nearly everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine. If you are a person with cancer, a survivor, or a caregiver, the flu could be even more dangerous for you or your loved ones. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor about the vaccine. Make sure you get your flu shot this fall!

Why should I get the flu shot?

cancer treatment can weaken the immune system and put people with cancer at an increased risk for problems from the flu. These problems can include dehydration, sinus and ear infections, and bronchitis, which is inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. More serious problems include pneumonia, sepsis (a dangerous bodily reaction to infection), and inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissues. 

When should I get my flu shot?

In general, the best time to get the flu shot is in September or October. The CDC specifically recommends that adults aged 65 and older avoid early vaccination in July or August if possible, because they may be less protected later in the season. But it’s important to talk with your doctor, as there are specific situations where it’s best to get the flu shot early. (Learn more about these exceptions on the CDC website.)

It is never too late to get vaccinated during flu season. Late vaccination can still help, and your doctor should have access to the flu vaccine throughout the winter.

Timing is particularly important for people getting or recovering from cancer treatment. Talk with your doctor about the best time for you to receive the flu shot, especially if you are currently receiving immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or Chemotherapy or if you have recently had a transplant. They will help you determine the best plan for when to get your flu shot, so you have the best protection without affecting your cancer treatment plan.

Is there more than 1 type of flu shot?

Yes, and it’s important to ask which is best for you. For the 2023–2024 flu season, there are 6 flu vaccine options. All of the flu vaccine options described below are quadrivalent vaccines, which means they protect against the 4 different flu viruses that are expected to be most common during this flu season. If you are 65 years or older or if you have an egg allergy, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the different options available to you. People with an egg allergy may receive any of the vaccines described below, so long as the vaccine is otherwise appropriate based on their age and overall health. The links below will take you to the CDC’s website for more information on each type of vaccine.

• Standard-Dose Flu Vaccine: This year’s standard-dose flu vaccine is available for those aged 6 months to 64 years. It is not generally recommended for adults 65 and older. Different types of standard-dose flu vaccines are approved for different age groups, so talk with your doctor about which specific type of flu vaccine is recommended for you or different members of your family.

• High-Dose Flu Vaccine: Recommended for adults 65 years and older, this vaccine contains 4 times the antigens of the standard-dose vaccine. Antigens are what help your body protect itself against the flu.

• Flu Vaccine with Adjuvant: This is another flu vaccine option for adults who are 65 years and older. An adjuvant is the type of ingredient added to the vaccine in order to help the body have a stronger immune response.

• Cell-Based Flu Vaccines: This flu vaccine option is meant for people 6 months and older. Instead of growing the flu viruses in eggs, this vaccine uses flu viruses that are grown in cultured cells.   

• Recombinant Flu Vaccine: The recombinant flu vaccine is another option for adults 65 years and older. Eggs are not used in the production of this vaccine. It is only recommended for people who are older than 18.

• Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine: Also called live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), the nasal spray vaccine is an option for some people between the ages of 2 and 49. Do not get the nasal spray flu vaccine if you are pregnant, are 50 or older, have a weakened immune system, or are a caregiver for those who have a greatly weakened immune system. There are additional people who should not get the nasal spray flu vaccine. People with cancer and their caregivers should talk with the doctor before getting the nasal spray flu vaccine.

What else can I do to protect myself against the flu?

Getting your flu vaccine is just the first step in preventing the spread of the flu. Here are some other ways you can help stop the spread of illnesses: 

• Encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to get the flu shot. This provides a ring of protection around you, too.

• Wash your hands often, and avoid touching your face.

• Wear a mask as directed by public health officials and your doctor’s recommendations.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

• Stay home if you are feeling sick, and let your doctor know.

• Wipe down surfaces regularly with a disinfectant cleaner at work, home, and school, especially areas that you touch often, such as counters, phones, and handles on doors, faucets, and appliances.

On June 8, 2023, cancerCare’s Young Professionals Committee (YPC) celebrated its sixth annual fundraising event at the Michael Kors Building in SoHo, Manhattan. The gathering not only celebrated the accomplishments of this year’s five young scholarship recipients to support future undergraduate scholarships for young adults impacted by cancer. With an impressive lineup of speakers and an enthusiastic audience, the event brought together over 140 guests and supporters.

Attendees enjoyed an evening of mingling, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and impressive auction items, including tickets to “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” the U.S. Open, Pilates classes, Legoland and more.

Although the primary goal of the event was to raise the equivalent of four YPC Scholarship awards, thanks to the incredible support from sponsors, donors and guests, the fundraising goal was not only reached, but doubled. This outstanding achievement showcases the dedication and commitment of all those involved, demonstrating the impact that collective efforts can have in transforming the lives of young adults affected by cancer.

This year’s YPC event marked another successful fundraiser, showcasing the power of community and the impact of collective efforts. The evening’s speakers included: Patricia Goldsmith, cancerCare’s Chief Executive Officer, Eunice E. Hong, cancerCare’s Director of Philanthropy and two of this year’s scholarship recipients, Gabby, an incoming junior at Central Connecticut State University and Victoria, an incoming senior at Harvard University. Thanks to the evening’s supporters and generous contributions, the event not only raised funds but also awareness for the crucial work of cancerCare at large.

About the YPC
cancerCare’s Young Professionals Committee, considered its junior board, plays an important role in expanding outreach, raising funds and realizing strategic initiatives. This committee, composed of 20 core young adult members and steadily growing, works in close partnership with key stakeholders within cancerCare and external partners. Their dedication and drive allow them to engage with the community-at-large and spearhead social and professional events that advance cancerCare’s mission.

The committee is composed of emerging leaders representing a diverse range of industries and companies, including Amazon, Point72 Asset Management, Bristol Myers Squibb, NBCUniversal, Lumanity and the Flatiron Institute. Their collective expertise and passion bring a wealth of knowledge and resources to the table, strengthening cancerCare’s ability to support those affected by cancer.

The Young Professionals Committee continues to welcome individuals, ages 40 and under, who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of people impacted by cancer. If you are interested in learning more about the YPC, its Scholarship Program, or joining the committee, please reach out to Eunice E. Hong at ehong@cancercare.org.