Experts Advocate Legal Rights for UK Cancer Patients to Improve Timely treatment & Post-Treatment Equity
A new paper published in Teh Lancet argues that enshrining legal rights for cancer patients in the UK could significantly reduce waiting lists and boost survival rates. Experts are calling for a system mirroring those in several European countries, where timely access to high-quality cancer care is legally guaranteed.
The research highlights the success of DenmarkS model, established in 1999, which mandates treatment begin within 28 days of referral and 14 days of consent. Denmark currently boasts some of the highest five-year cancer survival rates in Europe, alongside minimal waiting times.
According to Eduardo Pisani, co-author of the paper and CEO of all.Can, “International evidence shows that strong cancer plans, supported by legal rights, ensure patients have guaranteed access to timely, high-quality care.This protection promotes early treatment, reduces inequalities and ultimately improves health outcomes.”
Professor Mark Lawler, joint lead author from Queen’s University Belfast, proposes a system where, if UK patients cannot be treated within 62 days at their local hospital, the NHS would be obligated to fund treatment elsewhere – at another NHS facility, a private hospital, or even in another contry. He stresses the need for “a fundamental contract between patients and the NHS” with avenues for legal recourse in cases of breaches.
The proposed legal framework extends beyond timely treatment. Experts also advocate for the right to a designated cancer professional to oversee individual care, and a “right to be forgotten” after five years of prosperous treatment. This would legally prohibit insurers and mortgage providers from requesting or accessing past cancer diagnoses,preventing potential discrimination and financial penalties. nine European countries already have similar legislation in place.
Cary Adams, CEO of the Union for International Cancer Control, emphasized the importance of extensive cancer plans, stating, “Cancer plans recognising the rights of all people living with cancer to receive the treatment they need when they need it are essential in every country.”
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the need for improvement, stating the government is “committed to transforming cancer care following years of neglect.” They highlighted recent initiatives including the implementation of “Jess’s rule” - requiring GPs to reassess cases with escalating symptoms or unresolved diagnoses after three appointments – and investments in diagnostic centers, extended appointment hours, and new radiotherapy equipment, aiming to diagnose or rule out 135,000 more cancer cases this year.
