The prevention and early diagnosis of cancer is a priority not just for the cancer research community but the UK as a whole. NHS England has prioritised cancer early diagnosis in its Long-Term Plan and in a speech on World Cancer Day, Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid emphasised the importance of both prevention and early diagnosis of cancer.
The NCRI Screening, Prevention and Early Diagnosis (SPED) Group is ideally placed to capitalise on this enthusiasm and drive high-quality screening, prevention and early diagnosis research.
This year the group has appointed Professor Peter Sasieni and Professor Emma Crosbie as Chair and Deputy Chair. They come with methodological and clinical expertise and great enthusiasm to galvanise the growing research community with an interest in screening, prevention and early diagnosis research to work collaboratively.
To identify strategic priorities for the group, a survey has been developed, informed by a strategic workshop, and shared with approximately 2,000 research-active clinicians, scientists, and Consumers who have expressed an interest in SPED research. Once identified, working groups will be established to achieve the priorities.
The NCRI SPED Group is in the ideal position to encourage and support collaborations in the area of screening, prevention and early diagnosis, engaging with stakeholders to ensure the delivery of practice-changing research. This is an area high on the national agenda for health and it is essential that we capitalise on this interest and create a truly multi-disciplinary agenda for screening, prevention and early diagnosis research.
The NCRI SPED Group is identifying its strategic priorities, with ambitious plans to work in a collaborative and multidisciplinary way to develop novel strategies for cancer screening, prevention and early diagnosis to improve outcomes for patients. The multidisciplinary nature of the group is incredibly important for ensuring success. Involving trainees and Consumers adds richness and depth and keeps the future patient at the heart of this initiative.
Debating the value of prevention versus treatment
This house believes that the economic and survival impact of cancer prevention is superior to that of cancer treatment, NCRI Festival, November 2021
In this debate, proponents argued that the economic and survival impact of cancer prevention is superior to that of cancer treatment, using obesity and HPV to argue for increased investment in prevention. Opponents argued that further evidence is required to decide if this is the case. Over the course of the debate 38% of audience members changed their minds on whether the economic and survival impact of cancer prevention is superior to that of cancer treatment.
This house believes that the economic and survival impact of cancer prevention is superior to that of cancer treatment
