New NHS tech promises faster diagnosis for millions of cancer patients
The tool centralises patient data, enabling clinicians to prioritise urgent cases and expedite treatment.
The NHS says it could lead to faster diagnoses for millions of patients.
Currently, NHS staff grapple with fragmented information scattered across spreadsheets, emails, and various records.
Cancer 360 digitises this analogue system, streamlining the process and providing clinicians with a comprehensive overview of each patient's journey.
The shift eliminates the need for time-consuming data gathering, allowing medical professionals to focus on delivering timely and effective care, the NHS said.
"Every cancer patient deserves swift, effective care, and our new Cancer 360 solution harnesses data to ensure exactly that,' NHS national clinical transformation director Dr Vin Diwakar said.
'By giving clinicians a comprehensive view of patient pathways, we can identify and address delays immediately.
'The NHS federated data platform (FDP) is already showing its value in transforming cancer care, helping our hard-working staff deliver better outcomes while reducing administrative burden. As Cancer 360 expands to more hospitals nationwide, I'm confident we'll see meaningful improvements in both treatment times and patient experience.'
It is understood that trusts will not have to use the tool, but those not meeting the cancer standard – including that 85 per cent of cancer patients should have started their treatment within 62 days of being referred – may be asked to consider how Cancer 360 could help them meet targets.
As well as helping patients get a faster diagnosis, the DHSC said Cancer 360 will also help cut treatment delays and thus boost survival rates.
The technology has been piloted at Royal United Hospitals Bath, and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
It helped Chelsea and Westminster Hospital meet the faster diagnosis standard, whereby 75 per cent of patients should receive a diagnosis or ruling out of cancer within 28 days of referral.
Suraiya Abdi, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Chelsea and Westminster Foundation Trust, said: 'The implementation of Cancer 360 has enabled my team to monitor and safely carry our patients through their cancer pathway.
'The tool enables us to have in depth conversations at our weekly meetings regarding a patient's next step as well as allowing us to escalate queries directly to other teams for faster turnaround.
'The tool has reduced the amount of admin time spent by our cancer team therefore enabling them to focus on the patient journey. I have witnessed an improvement in performance, team spirit and most importantly patient experience.'
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: 'I've seen first-hand the stress and heartbreak that cancer causes in my own family.
'Dependent on archaic pen-and-paper systems, life-saving diagnostics appointments hung on whether a post-it note lost its stick, or a piece of paper went missing. That put lives at risk, and with the technology we have today, there's no reason for any part of our healthcare service to run in such a way.
'Simply by keeping accurate records, the technology we are putting to work today will cut waiting times and save lives, delivering on our plan for change. That way, people can once again trust that their local hospital has the tools it needs to focus on what matters – treating their loved ones and keeping families together for longer.'
The DHSC said Cancer 360, to be rolled out soon, will benefit millions of patients in the next five to 10 years.
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She says: 'I think it's important that people are aware that, like any medication, Mounjaro comes with side effects. 9 Victoria, pictured here before using fat jabs, "felt no joy in anything" when on the 7.5mg dose of Mounjaro Credit: Supplied 9 Her food addiction disappeared but so had her joy in shopping, drinking, socialising and her hobbies she once loved Credit: Supplied 'People who haven't suffered from obesity will never understand and think that Mounjaro is cheating. 'For me, the potential side effects outweigh the risk of being obese. There are pros and cons to every medication, but it's changed my life in just 40 weeks so far.' Victoria admits she 'tried every diet' before turning to weight loss jabs. She says: 'Slimming World, WeightWatchers, Orlistat slimming pills from the GP… I successfully lost 4st on Slimming World in 2019, but subsequently had to have my gallbladder removed because of rapid weight loss. 'Then in 2020, I was airlifted to hospital due to Cauda Equina - a serious spinal injury. 'I had a nine-hour operation, had to learn to walk again, and was placed on medication from my doctors that is renowned to cause rapid weight gain and makes it difficult to lose weight. 'With my reduced mobility and a further two spinal surgeries in the space of 33 months, I gained a massive six stone. "I tipped the scales at 19st and decided that it was either bariatric surgery abroad or Mounjaro. Different types of weight loss surgery For many people who are overweight or obese, they may feel they have exhausted options for weight loss and want to try something more drastic. Weight loss surgery may be available to them on the NHS if they have a BMI over 40 and have a condition that may be improved with weight loss, such as diabetes. But the availability of these procedures largely depends on where you live in the UK. People can also pay privately. Weight loss surgery is a common and safe procedure. However, as with any operation, there are risks, such as a blood clot, a band slipping out of place, a stomach infection, gallstones and excessive skin from weight loss that in most cases, won't be removed on the NHS. In all of the following options, the space in the stomach is reduced, therefore a person feels fuller after eating less food. They lose weight as a result. However, it is necessary for them to also learn good eating habits and have a healthy balanced diet, too. Gastric bypass The stomach is divided into two using a staple. The smaller part is connected to the intestines, effectively cutting how much space there is in the stomach by half. The operation takes around two hours. Gastric band A band is tied around the top of the stomach and inflated so that it tightens. The operation takes three to four hours. Gastric balloon Patients swallow an empty balloon which is attached to a tube. The balloon is filled with water via the tube, taking around 20 minutes, so that it fills around two-thirds of the stomach space. Sleeve gastrectomy Around 80 per cent of the stomach is removed in surgery to make it much smaller and a sleeve shape. The operation takes between one and three hours. 'I was in communication with a surgeon in Turkey before deciding that Mounjaro was the less invasive and safer option. Mounjaro was my only way.' Victoria says her weight dropped quickly in the first few months, but the loss has since slowed down. She adds: 'I've gone from 19st to 14st 6lb. I was a size 22 and am now a size 14.' Now, at 5ft 2, she finds herself in the obese category with a BMI of 37.8, continues: 'My goal is to be a comfortable size 12 and roughly under 11 stone.' Whilst using the fat jabs, Victoria, who has 'limited mobility' and as a result, finds exercising "difficult,' focused on eating in a calorie deficit, which involves consuming fewer calories than your body needs to maintain its current weight. I give real and raw updates. Mounjaro isn't an easy fix or a magic wand, it still requires hard work and consistency. Although people's opinions differ, it's working for me.' Victoria Turkington As well as cutting her calories, Victoria is also avoiding fried food, red meat, dense carbs and anything spicy whilst on the injections. She shares: 'I have stuck to a calorie deficit since November and try to implement pilates, yoga and resistance band training. 'I drink three to four litres of water per day and focus on my macros, protein, fibre and fat. 'I am enjoying educating myself in diet and nutrition, and I'm now building a much better relationship with food.' As well as this, Victoria is also focusing on 'rewiring' her brain and 'building better habits' that are now part of her lifestyle, which she plans to continue into the future. 'I am coming up to week 40 on my journey now and have another 40lbs to my goal. I would be thrilled if I could get to my goal weight for the new year.' Eager to encourage others to seek medical advice when experiencing side effects, Victoria recognises: 'There is a yellow card scheme with the MHRA [Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency] and anyone experiencing side effects not listed in the information leaflet included with your medication should be reported and people should always speak to their provider if they're concerned. 9 Prior to losing weight, Victoria was a size 22 Credit: Supplied 9 Now, she's dropped down to the obese category with a BMI of 37.8 Credit: Supplied 9 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes but is now being used to "save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity" Credit: Getty 'I am a Company ambassador for Öushk pharmacy and the support they have provided me with is second to none.' As well as this, she warns fat jab users: 'It's important people get Mounjaro through a registered pharmacy and find a pharmacy that is responsive and supportive.' Eager to be open about her Mounjaro use, Victoria has shared her experience with her social media fans: 'Across my three social media platforms, I have around 45,000 followers and find that it helps me to share my experience and my journey with others. 'I give real and raw updates. Mounjaro isn't an easy fix or a magic wand, it still requires hard work and consistency. Although people's opinions differ, it's working for me.'
