The newly published National Cancer Plan (NCP) for England is an important moment for everyone affected by womb cancer. For the first time, rare and less common cancers (including womb cancer) are clearly recognised as needing a more tailored, focused approach.
“This underpins findings, as in recent research by Cancer52, showing that the 47% of patients diagnosed with a rare or less common cancer (defined as cancers outside of breast, prostate, bowel and lung cancers) make up a disproportionate 55% of cancer deaths.”
– NCP, page 72
Peaches Womb Cancer Trust is a member of Cancer52 – an alliance of over 90 organisations, united in improving the future for everyone affected by rare and less common cancers.
Our Trustees say:
“For everyone affected by womb cancer, this recognition of rare and less common cancers in the National Cancer Plan is hugely significant. Through Peaches’ work with Cancer52, and our ongoing focus on awareness, patient support and funding and promoting research, we welcome the plan’s commitment to earlier diagnosis, better use of genomics and new technologies that can lead to better outcomes for people affected by womb cancer.”
At Peaches, we’re especially encouraged to see several commitments that directly relate to improving understanding, diagnosis and treatment of womb cancer:
Routine testing for Lynch syndrome
Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that increases the risk of developing womb and bowel cancer, but until recently, many people and their families did not know they carried it.
Thanks to the extensive research led by Professor Emma Crosbie and her team at the University of Manchester, national guidelines have changed so that routine screening for Lynch syndrome is now available for women diagnosed with womb cancer on the NHS. We are delighted to see this work directly reflected in the new National Cancer Plan:
“Starting immediately, every patient who is diagnosed with bowel or endometrial cancer will be routinely tested for Lynch syndrome”
– NCP, page 27
*(womb cancer is also known as endometrial or uterine cancer).
This means,
- more people can understand their cancer risk
- family members can be offered genetic testing
- and more people can access early monitoring and prevention
This is a significant step forward in protecting future generations.
Better tests and clinics for postmenopausal bleeding
The Plan also commits to accelerating new technologies and clinics to improve the detection of womb cancer in women with postmenopausal bleeding, the most common presenting symptom.
“We will use the new National HealthTech Access Programme to accelerate access to new technologies […] to streamline the adoption of innovation and help end the postcode lottery. [Including] technologies to improve detection of endometrial cancer in women with postmenopausal bleeding”
– NCP, page 58-59
“Deliver pathway improvement across the NHS through breast pain and post-menopausal bleeding clinics and evaluating options for pathway improvement for other cancers”
– NCP, page 20
This matters because earlier detection means faster diagnosis, better chance of successful treatment if womb cancer is identified earlier, fewer unnecessary and invasive procedures, particularly for the majority of women with post menopausal bleeding who do not have cancer, and clear and equal pathways for all womb cancer patients.
New and emerging treatments
The government is also investing in new NHS facilities to support the production of modern cancer medicines, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy. These treatments are increasingly important for people with later-stage womb cancer, and this investment will help make sure patients can access the best possible care when they need it.
Research, genomics and the future of care
The Plan puts a focus on:
- genomics
- new blood, urine and breath tests
- and more personalised treatments, including immunotherapy
These developments are especially important for rare and less common cancers like womb cancer, where progress has historically been slower, and where better research and data can make a real difference.
Why this matters
Womb cancer is one of many cancers that has not always had the attention, research and tailored care it deserves. This Plan shows that rare and less common cancers are finally being taken seriously at a national level.
Through our work with Cancer52, and through everything we do to raise awareness, support patients and fund and promote research, Peaches will continue to make sure the voices of people affected by womb cancer are heard.
Find out more about the National Cancer Plan for England.
