RCR Response to the European Cancer Organisation’s UK Country Report
Article by: Dr Tom Roques
In response to the ECO’s new report UK Falling behind Europe in the fight against cancer Dr Tom Roques, Vice President of Clinical Oncology at the Royal College of Radiologists said:
“The findings revealed in the UK Country Report from the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) serve as a stark wake-up call for our nation. The UK has a higher rate of cancer cases than Europe, on average, but proportionally fewer cancer workers and less equipment to treat them, with widespread shortages across cancer professions throughout the UK.
“The Royal College of Radiologists' clinical oncology workforce census highlights the urgency of the situation. With a growing shortfall of clinical oncologists, currently at 15% and projected to rise to 25% by 2027, our healthcare system faces unprecedented challenges in delivering safe and timely cancer care to those in need.
“The next iteration of the Government's Longterm Workforce Plan should give top priority to both the training of new doctors and the retention of our existing medical professionals. This is essential to guarantee that patients diagnosed with cancer receive the highest quality of care they rightfully deserve.”
