Recent findings from the 2023 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey reveal significant disparities in support for black cancer patients and individuals living with disabilities within the UK healthcare system. While 76% of cancer patients nationwide feel supported, only 71% of black patients reported adequate support during hospital treatment.
The survey, conducted by Macmillan Cancer Support, highlights additional inequalities: black patients indicated their families or caregivers were involved in treatment decisions at 75%, lower than the 80% involvement reported by white patients. Similarly, those facing cancer alongside other long-term conditions reported feeling less supported, with only 61% of patients with autism, 68% with mental health issues, 69% with neurological disorders, and 70% with learning disabilities feeling adequately supported during treatment.
Steven McIntosh, Chief Partnerships Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, pointed to this data as "yet more evidence of the unacceptable variations" present within cancer care. He emphasized, "It shouldn’t be the case...that who you are and where you live affects whether you receive the support that's right for you." McIntosh welcomed the Westminster government's commitment to developing a national cancer plan aimed at addressing these disparities.
Further echoing this sentiment, Saffron Hanson from the Can You C Me project expressed the need for equity. "These findings highlight a pressing need for equity in cancer care..." she stated, placing emphasis on their work with black and minority ethnic communities to amplify their voices and identify systemic barriers hindering access to fair treatment.
Nicola Boyd, who was diagnosed with breast cancer this year, reflected on the difficulties she faced advocating for herself during her treatment. "It’s so hard to advocate for yourself when you are unclear what things mean, and if you have specific needs," she explained. Boyd shared how her medical team struggled to provide personalized care initially, noting, "I still felt I was put under pressure to have treatment I was unsure of."
Boyd's experience encapsulates the testimony of many within minority communities who feel neglected by the healthcare system. "People shouldn’t have to navigate their diagnosis and treatment like a maze and raise their voices to push for answers beyond the generic responses and get more personalized treatment. There simply should not be a one-size-fits-all approach to cancer care," she urged.
To counter these disparities, the NHS has reiterated its commitment to improving patient experiences. An NHS spokesperson stated, "Patient experience of care is incredibly important...we commission the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey to help us improve services." They added the organization is committed to addressing concerns raised by black patients and those living with long-term conditions, recognizing the consistent feedback indicating areas for improvement.
Given the increasingly evident disparities within cancer care, advocates and health organizations are insisting on urgent action to achieve equitable access to treatment. The combination of discriminatory statistics with real-life experiences reinforces the narrative calling for systemic change within the UK cancer care framework.
Without addressing the disparities laid bare by such surveys, vulnerable populations will continue to face challenges accessing the care they need and deserve. Ensuring equity within cancer support services is not merely desirable; it is necessary for the health and dignity of all patients residing within the healthcare system.
