New cancer plan must look beyond the NHS

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 24th Aug 2006

Commenting on the King's Fund report, 'Future Trends and Challenges for Cancer Services in England' Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Sandra Gidley MP said:

"There are still enormous inequalities in cancer treatment across the country - with an unacceptable divide in the delivery of services between affluent and poorer areas.

"More needs to be done to ensure progress is being made in every community, especially socially deprived areas where cancer is most common.

"A second cancer plan must look beyond the NHS and ensure that patients have access to all the social support and benefits that they are entitled to.

"Hidden costs such as car park charges must be addressed, as they are a significant drain on patients going through lengthy hospital treatment.

"Prevention is key in the future battle to reduce deaths from cancer. Long-term planning in the NHS must include a full national programme to educate people about the signs of cancer and widely available screening, without long waiting times."