New recommendations for improved NHS cancer care outlined

An Independent Cancer Taskforce has made a number of recommendations aimed at helping the NHS achieve world-class cancer outcomes.

Chaired by Cancer Research UK's Dr Harpal Kumar, the taskforce has suggested that an additional 30,000 patients every year could survive cancer for ten years or more by 2020 if six strategic priorities are accepted.

These include a new focus on improved public health and disease prevention, a national push to achieve faster diagnoses, a renewed effort to enhance patient experiences and better support for those living with and beyond cancer.

It also called for overhauled processes for commissioning, accountability and provision, and fresh investment to deliver a modern high-quality service.

Duncan Selbie, chief executive of Public Health England, said: "We look forward to considering the recommendations, especially the action plans to reduce smoking and tackle obesity, in detail, and working with our partners to realise the vision of a society that is serious about prevention."

In 2013/14, 280,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in England, a number that is expected to reach more than 300,000 by 2020 and exceed 360,000 by 2030.