One Cancer Voice: A manifesto for people living with cancer

Today, Ovarian Cancer Action is one of 28 cancer charities launching a joint manifesto on behalf of cancer patients across the UK, ahead of the general election in December. 

One Cancer Voice: A manifesto for people living with cancer highlights and recommends solutions for some of the biggest issues that the next Government will face if they’re to ensure the very best in the care, treatment and management of people living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. 

Campaigning is an essential part of what we do at OCA in our mission to improve the UK’s ovarian cancer survival rate, which is one of the worst in Europe. We’re here to change this and take action by raising the profile of the disease among policymakers and showing them where action is needed. The manifesto gave us an excellent opportunity to join forces with other passionate advocates and highlight how we can help women facing a diagnosis.   

The manifesto was developed by charities across the cancer sector. Each organisation shared evidence and their recommendations to help solve the key issues that many or all cancer patients have in common. By uniting to find common ground, we were able flag the most important and pressing challenges shared across cancers, and call on the Government to implement overarching solutions that will help patients live longer and better lives.  

The recommendations are grouped into six broad themes, which include earlier diagnosis, access to appropriate treatment and psychological support, life beyond treatment, and the importance of the UK’s cancer research.  

One recommendation we make to the next Government is to prioritise early diagnosis and publish a plan setting out what the 2028 target means for different cancer types. (This refers to the Government ambition to increase the proportion of cancers diagnosed at an early stage from 50% to 75%). This is particularly important for cancers like ovarian, where survival rates are significantly higher when diagnosed early versus late. The manifesto also calls on the Government to improve access to treatments, prioritise the emotional needs of patients, and protect the UK’s status as a world-leader for research.  

The policy recommendations within the manifesto are not an exhaustive list, but should be seen by the new Government as a starting point for improving the treatment and care for all people living with cancer.

Click here to read One Cancer Voice: A manifesto for people living with cancer.