Pathfinder 2022: faster, further and fairer

Target Ovarian Cancer – October 2022

This report shows that although there have been significant improvements over the years for women with ovarian cancer, not enough progress has been made in diagnosis, awareness, treatment and support. It reveals that if diagnosis was faster, further support was available and access to treatment was fairer, there could be potential for more women to survive, live well with ovarian cancer and be supported from diagnosis and throughout treatment. 

Key findings
Awareness
Awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms in the general population has shown some improvement since we first started measuring this in 2009. However, progress has been slow, and we have seen little improvement in the knowledge of
feeling full and urinary symptoms. This is compounded by 40 per cent of women wrongly believing that cervical screening detects ovarian cancer. To tackle this awareness crisis, we need to see widespread government backed
symptoms awareness campaigns.
Diagnosis
The faster ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chance of receiving treatment and the greater the chance of survival. For the first time, we surveyed GP knowledge of symptoms unpromoted and found good awareness of the
symptoms of bloating and abdominal pain, which is welcome following Target Ovarian Cancer’s investment in GP education programmes. However, similar to the general people population survey, there was less awareness of feeling full and urinary symptoms. We also found delays in both access to diagnostic tests and GPs receiving results, as well as GPs needing more support to interpret test results. It is vital that existing guidelines are updated to provide GPs with the support they need to identify ovarian cancer as quickly as possible.
Treatment
Ovarian cancer treatment has changed significantly since 2016 with widespread access to maintenance treatment and greater access to genomic testing. As genomic testing moves at pace it is vital that the consent process empowers
patients to make the best choice for them. We also found that the pandemic has had an impact on access to surgery and the opportunity to be involved in clinical trials.
We need to see all those who would benefit from surgery able to access it; and clinical trials should be accessible to all, especially those with fewer treatment options.
Support
It is clear that the support for those with ovarian cancer is lacking. We found that the Clinical Nurse Specialist workforce is undervalued and under-resourced which has a knock-on effect on the support available. We found high levels of unmet need including mental health support and support with menopause. There is also a lack of support for those who have finished first line treatment, with those who have a recurrence reporting not having the same level of care as their first line treatment. To tackle this, we need to see greater long-term investment in support services
and the gynaeoncology Clinical Nurse Specialist workforce.

Full Report – Pathfinder 2022: Faster, further, and fairer

Breast Cancer Now – Delivering real choice: the future of breast reconstruction in England

Breast Cancer Now – October 2022

For those who choose it, breast reconstruction is a vital part of recovery from breast cancer or risk-reducing surgery. However, this report reveals that too often, access and choice is being denied – making it harder for people to rebuild their lives. Breast Cancer Now is calling on NHS England to work in partnership with them, the Association of Breast Surgery (ABS) and the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) to develop a practical plan for breast reconstruction services that addresses the backlog, removes barriers and ensures timely and fair access to reconstruction for all women who want it. The report makes recommendations to help achieve this.

Recommendations

Women must be given information about the different types of reconstruction and supported to make the decision
that is right for them

Services must be structured in a way that enables patients to access the type of reconstruction that is right for them.

Capacity to perform free flap breast reconstruction must be increased.

The payment for breast reconstruction must reflect the true cost over time.

All local restrictions on breast reconstruction must be removed

The backlog and long delays facing those awaiting breast reconstruction or risk-reducing surgery must be addressed.

Consistent data must be collected on the number of patients waiting for breast reconstruction and risk-reducing surgery, and how long they have been waiting, both locally and nationally.

Full Report – Breast Cancer Now