Introduction: the cost of cancer care

Mike Richards

National Cancer Director, NHS, UK

This session will examine current and future costs of cancer both from an NHS and a societal perspective. Analyses undertaken to inform the development of the Cancer Reform Strategy indicate that expenditure on cancer in the UK is still lower than that in France or Germany. A large proportion of the total cost relates to inpatient care.

The likely impact of the introduction of new treatments approved by NICE will be discussed. The pros and cons of allowing patients to make top-up payments for unfunded treatments will be debated.