What we learned at the Tackling Inequalities conference 2023: Early cancer diagnosis
Continuing our series of articles, we share insights from NHS England’s report on key learnings from our joint Tackling Inequalities conference in January 2023. The report has been published ahead of the upcoming second conference on 16 January 2024, which will focus on tackling inequalities through innovation and entrepreneurship. This article delves into the first conference's insights on addressing inequalities in early cancer diagnosis.
Early cancer diagnosis, particularly at stages I and 2, significantly improves survival rates. The NHS Long-Term Plan aims to increase the proportion of cancers diagnosed at these early stages from 50% to 75% by 2028.
Socioeconomic disparities contribute to inequalities in cancer outcomes, driven by factors like higher smoking and obesity rates, reduced screening uptake, and lower awareness of symptoms in deprived areas. Regional variations further complicate the landscape.
Studies indicate that eliminating these disparities could substantially reduce deaths within five years of diagnosis, emphasising the critical role of addressing socioeconomic inequalities in early cancer detection.
Conference participants shared examples of efforts they are making to address health inequalities in cancer diagnosis. These included enhancing screening access, employing incentives for specific populations, and minimising 'Did Not Attend' rates through targeted communication. They discussed educational initiatives focused on increasing awareness among healthcare workers and staff, utilising e-learning resources and medical updates. They shared the importance of co-production with underserved communities, technological innovations, and data utilization to improve cancer care.
Ideas to reduce inequalities included targeted outreach efforts with community involvement and the use of community leads to ensure culturally appropriate communication. Improving screening, via asymptomatic testing, virtual clinics, and digital reminders through the NHS app, was also suggested. Participants emphasised empowering healthcare staff, addressing NHS staff wellbeing, and encouraging one-to-one conversations as priorities for tackling cancer-related health inequalities.
Proposed interventions included behavioural change and insights training for programme managers and frontline clinicians and using innovation to enhance access to cancer care within communities. Also suggested were offering test-at-home options, providing rapid results for improved patient communication, and collecting accurate data on demographics to identify and address inequalities. Participants highlighted the importance of integrated health care records, trusted messengers, multi-speciality clinics, and advanced diagnostic and intervention technology to enhance accuracy, efficiency and accessibility.
Conference participants pledged to share evidence, hold healthcare systems accountable for measurable progress in narrowing health disparities, and focus on Core20 population groups for innovation and robust evaluation.
Access the full report here.
Book your place at Tackling Inequalities: Through innovation and entrepreneurship on 16 January 2024.