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<p>NHS England has a published service specification for pancreatic cancer which clearly
defines what it expects to be in place for providers to offer evidence-based, safe
and effective pancreatic cancer services. This service specification has been developed
by specialised clinicians, commissioners, expert patients and public health representatives
to describe core and developmental service standards.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Patients
being treated at cancer units should have access to an upper gastrointestinal cancer
nurse. All district general hospitals should have such a person in post. If the patient
is transferred to a cancer centre they should then have access to a pancreatic nurse
specialist. This person should see every patient and become their key worker.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Patients with suspected pancreatic cancer are usually first
investigated by an ultrasound scan. If this shows biliary dilatation, or anything
else suspicious, the patient should then be sent for a pancreas protocol computerised
tomography scan which is the best investigation for identifying pancreatic cancer.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Increasing the capacity of diagnostic and imaging services
is clearly recognised as a priority for the National Health Service and it is has
been raised as a key issue by the independent Cancer Taskforce, as well as by the
Cancer Waiting Times Taskforce. We expect a new cancer strategy to be published this
summer which will set out the strategy for the system for the next five years and
will include consideration of the whole cancer pathway, including the capacity of
diagnostic services.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>In addition, NHS England is testing
various approaches to new models of care which could potentially deliver improved
access to diagnostic services for cancer patients, including those with pancreatic
cancer.</p><p> </p>
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