UK Cancer Care by Stats - The Scale of the Challenge for the New Government

The UK healthcare industry was once the greatest in the world, but it has seen significant challenges over the past decade. Due to a myriad of factors that include skills shortages, issues related to Brexit and a huge setback with COVID-19, many areas of the UK’s healthcare industry are struggling - none more so than cancer care. Thankfully, things are improving, but lots of damage has already been done and more cancer patients than ever before are struggling to receive the treatment they need. So, to highlight the issues the cancer care system in the UK is facing now, this article will look into UK cancer care by stats to highlight the scale of the challenge for the new government.

The Current State of Cancer Care in the UK

Cancer is quite common in the UK, with over 390,000 people diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK. This is largely due to improved diagnostic tools that can help catch this disease as early as possible. As of 2024, there are more than 3 million people in the UK living with cancer - and the latest statistics outline that 1 in 2 people will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. The other main driving force behind the spike in cancer diagnoses is an ageing population. With 11 million people aged 65 or over, the UK has a sizeable elderly population who are more prone to cancer. This has resulted in a healthcare system that is overwhelmed and underprepared to handle the growing demand for cancer care services. All of these issues have placed the UK’s healthcare system under significant strain, particularly when it comes to triaging and treating cancer patients. With around 1,000 new cancer diagnoses each day, the list of patients waiting for treatment continues to grow. This is especially true for the more prevalent forms of cancer, such as breast, prostate, lung and bowel cancer. As a result of all of this, the mortality rates in the UK have nosedived, with about 167,000 deaths each year.

Regional and Demographic Disparities

Cancer incidence and mortality rates vary significantly by region and demographic groups across the UK. Incidence rates are notably higher in the most deprived areas and mortality rates are 49 %higher for both men and women in these areas. This is exacerbated by late-stage diagnoses, with almost half of all cancer cases diagnosed at stage 3 or 4 in England in deprived areas.

Comparisons with Other Countries

When compared internationally, the UK's cancer incidence ranks higher than 90% of the world but is also higher than three-quarters of European countries. The UK's mortality rates, while lower than two-thirds of Europe, rank higher globally. Despite a long-term decrease in mortality rates thanks to advancements in cancer care, the UK still struggles with survival rates for several types of cancer when compared with other developed nations.

Factors Behind Deteriorating Stats

Several factors contribute to the UK's struggling cancer statistics. One significant issue is the impact of socioeconomic status on cancer care access and outcomes, with higher incidence and poorer survival rates in deprived areas. Additionally, staffing shortages within the NHS and the ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated wait times for diagnosis and treatment, pushing performance against cancer waiting time targets to record lows in 2023.

How Locums Can Help Improve Cancer Care in the UK

The integration of locum doctors and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) into the UK's healthcare system, particularly in cancer care, presents an opportunity to address some of the persistent challenges in service delivery. Locum doctors and AHPs, who provide temporary but essential support across various specialities, can make a significant impact in several key areas:

• Addressing Staff Shortages: Locum doctors and AHPs can fill gaps in staffing at hospitals and clinics, ensuring that patient care remains uninterrupted. This is crucial for maintaining the continuity of care that is essential for effective cancer treatment and management. For example, physiotherapists and occupational therapists can offer rehabilitation services that help patients regain mobility and manage fatigue during their recovery.
• Reducing Wait Times: Long waiting times for diagnosis and treatment have been a significant barrier to improving cancer outcomes in the UK. Locum doctors can help reduce these bottlenecks by increasing the workforce capacity, especially during peak times or when permanent staff are unavailable. Similarly, locum AHPs, such as dietitians, can provide timely nutritional support to patients, which is critical for maintaining strength and resilience during treatment.
• Specialised Care Provision: Locum doctors often possess specialised skills that may not be available in certain regions, particularly in rural or underserved areas. By employing locums with oncology expertise, healthcare facilities can offer more comprehensive care to patients who might otherwise need to travel significant distances for treatment.
• Supporting Overworked Staff: The burnout and stress experienced by permanent staff can negatively impact patient care quality. Locums can provide much-needed respite for these healthcare workers, which can improve overall morale and job satisfaction.
• Flexibility and Cost-Effectiveness: Hiring locum doctors and AHPs offers flexibility to the healthcare system, allowing it to scale the workforce up or down based on current demand without the long-term commitments associated with hiring permanent staff. This flexibility ensures that patients have access to a broad range of services, from immediate medical care to ongoing rehabilitation and palliative support, helping to meet the diverse needs of cancer patients throughout their journey.

A Difficult Road Ahead for Cancer Care in the UK

The new government faces a considerable challenge in addressing the disparities and delays in cancer care across the UK. Improving early diagnosis, enhancing access to treatment across all demographics, and bolstering NHS resources are critical steps necessary to improve survival rates and reduce mortality. Ensuring equitable care across all regions and demographics will be crucial in tackling the broad impact of cancer across the country. With the help of locums, many of the gaps in cancer care can be plugged efficiently, so it’s likely that we’ll see more healthcare locum roles across the board in the UK.

If you would like to help beat the backlog in the healthcare industry in the UK by working as a locum, then Globe Locums can help. Please take a look at our latest vacancies or get in touch with us if you have any questions.