Cancer Reform Strategy - NHS Cancer Screening Programmes

CHAPTER 11: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE 131However, the government is keen to retain theenthusiasm and commitment shown by externalstakeholders and the benefit which comes fromexternal scrutiny and expertise.11.41 We will convene a conference in the NewYear for stakeholders in cancer policy, includingthose who contributed to the development ofthe Cancer Reform Strategy, to discuss the nextsteps in delivering the strategy, as well as howwe can all contribute to its success.Assessing progress11.42 The government is committed totracking progress on cancer to ensure thatthe aims of this strategy are achieved.The National Cancer Director will deliverannual reports on progress to Ministers tohelp enable an informed discussion withstakeholders. These reports, which will bepublished, will assess overall progress ontackling cancer, as well as examining in moredetail developments relating to a number ofdifferent forms of cancer each year. The NationalCancer Director will work closely with theNational Cancer Intelligence Network on thedevelopment of these reports. An advisoryboard of stakeholders will be also convenedto provide input to each annual report.11.43 If we wish to have world class cancerservices, then it will be necessary to compareour services with those of other countries.Furthermore there is much we can learn fromthe experience of others, sharing ideas,comparing outcomes and learning from goodpractice. As the NHS implements this strategywe will continue to track our progress in relationto other countries on issues such as survival andmortality, awareness, early detection, access todifferent forms of treatment, clinical outcomes,patient experience and costs. However, thesecomparisons are not simple and without carefulconsideration, could lead to false conclusions.We will therefore ask the NCIN to develop aframework for accurate comparison with othercountries. In particular, we envisagecollaborating closely with countries in Europe,the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.