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<p>Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group, advises that breast cancer
patients in Birmingham have support from a clinical nurse specialist and have a health
needs assessment, which can refer patients for services including prosthesis fitting,
wig referral, psychology service and lymphoedema service. In addition, there are several
third sector organisations that provide a range of support to breast cancer patients
across the area.</p><p> </p><p>NHS England is committed to transforming cancer care
across England for all cancers, including breast cancer, aiming to reduce inequality
and promoting equity of access to services. To support this ambition, NHS England
has committed more than £200 million in 2017/18 and 2018/19 to fund Cancer Alliances
to accelerate early diagnosis of cancer, improve survival and enhance quality of life.</p><p>
</p><p>In February 2018, in partnership with the Department and NHS England, Public
Health England (PHE) launched a Be Clear on Cancer Campaign focused on breast cancer
in women aged over 70 to raise awareness of specific symptoms and encourage those
with symptoms to visit their doctor.</p><p> </p><p>To improve the uptake of screening,
NHS England is continuing to invest in initiatives to help ensure equality of access,
including through locally targeted interventions. These include text and general practitioner
reminders and PHE’s new ‘Breast screening: easy guide’, which helps women decide whether
screening is right for them.</p><p> </p><p>NHS England agreed a Commercial Access
Agreement with Roche for Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine) which brought the confidential
purchase price below the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence cost-effectiveness
threshold, allowing approval in routine commissioning. This is offering breast cancer
patients precious quality time with their families without damaging side effects.</p><p>
</p><p>Finally, we are committed to rolling out stratified follow-up pathways for
breast cancer patients by 2020, to ensure patients get the right care after treatment,
including information and support to spot signs and symptoms of recurrence or secondary
cancer. As well as providing a better experience for patients and ensuring they have
the information they need, stratified pathways can offer more effective use of resources
by freeing up outpatient capacity. They can also ensure that in cases where there
is recurrence or secondary cancer, patients are supported to return to care quickly
and effectively.</p>
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