Variable cancer care standards ‘must be improved’

More must be done in order to address the variable quality of cancer care in the UK, according to an expert body.

Independent organisation CancerPartnersUK has noted that cancer care standards have improved "remarkably" in the last decade, but expressed concern that quality varies depending on the region or the type of cancer.

Professor Karol Sikora, medical director of CancerPartnersUK, said certain areas have better facilities and treatment options than others, leading to differences in outcomes.

He also noted that cancers mostly affecting women, primarily breast cancer, are treated more effectively than male-dominated conditions such as prostate and colon cancer, which is potentially due to a reticence among patients to discuss their problem.

The expert's comments come in response to a recent National Audit Office report into cancer care improvements, showing significant variations in the performance of different primary care trusts.

Dr Sikora added that "making access better for the diagnosis" is crucial, as this will assist in "easing up the whole diagnostic process".