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<p>The Department is taking steps to ensure equity and quality in care and support
for patients is available across the entire cancer pathway. Reducing inequalities
and variation in cancer diagnosis and treatment are a priority for the Government,
as is increasing early cancer diagnosis, as this is a key contributor to reducing
cancer health inequalities. The Government is working jointly with NHS England on
implementing the delivery plan for tackling the COVID-19 backlogs in elective care,
and plans to spend more than £8 billion from 2022/23 to 2024/25 to help drive up and
protect elective activity, including cancer diagnosis and treatment activity. As part
of this, we are increasing diagnostic capacity by rolling out community diagnostic
centres across England, with capacity prioritised for cancer checks. Additionally,
and as outlined in the 2024/25 NHS England Planning Guidance, NHS England is providing
over £266 million in cancer service development funding to Cancer Alliances, to support
delivery of the operational priorities for cancer.</p><p>The Department's ministers
and officials frequently meet with key stakeholders within the cancer community, including
discussions on support for patients and their families. The National Health Service
provides personalised cancer care and support plans, to support both patients and
their families at all stages of their cancer journey. This is being delivered in line
with the NHS Comprehensive Model for Personalised Care, empowering people to manage
their care and the impact of their cancer, and maximise the potential of digital and
community-based support.</p><p>General practice surgeries also conduct cancer care
reviews at regular intervals after cancer diagnosis, to offer support with any needs
patients may have. This includes providing access to other specialist-led services
who work alongside patients’ medical teams, to support patients and their families,
such as counsellors, rehabilitation specialists, or social prescribers, who can connect
you to community groups or services for more support.</p><p>NHS England and the integrated
care boards are responsible for commissioning and ensuring the healthcare needs of
local communities in England are met, including for cancer patients. NHS England provides
access to a personal health budget, which is an amount of NHS money that is allocated
to support the health and wellbeing needs of a patient, if eligible.</p>
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