Results from seven national cancer audits have been published today by the National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre (NATCAN)

The second State of the Nation reports for six new national audits in breast (primary and metastatic), kidney, non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, ovarian and pancreatic cancer and the latest report in oesophago-gastric cancer (an established audit since 2012) have been published.

NATCAN aims to strengthen NHS cancer services by looking into all treatments and patient outcomes across England and Wales. The reports published today demonstrate that variations in the quality of cancer care persist in the NHS. With more than 900 new cancer cases per day, improving care and outcomes for patients has never been more crucial.

“The power of NHS data to support major improvements in the quality of cancer care has never been greater. We expect the findings from the NATCAN audits will be used by NHS Trusts to continue to drive standards of care and reduce inequalities.”

Professor Ajay Aggarwal, Clinical Director, NATCAN

The State of the Nation reports contain recommendations for NHS cancer services and are published for the first time alongside individual NHS Trust or Health Boards and regional results in the new NATCAN data dashboard highlighting where improvement is needed. The complexity of cancer treatment is considered for each audit, with an understanding that a patient’s plan must consider the stage of their cancer, fitness and how likely they will respond to treatments.

“NATCAN audits should act as a beacon of improvement in cancer care. By learning from the findings, we can work together to ensure every cancer care professional delivers best clinical practice, and every patient gets the highest standard of care.”

Professor Frank Smith, Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England

NATCAN works in close partnership with professional bodies and patient charities to progress cancer care. Patient forums have been established to ensure people with lived experience of cancer play a central role in shaping the quality improvement goals and activities of each audit. The cancer audits are committed to sector-wide engagement to deliver meaningful outcomes for patients, their families, healthcare professionals and the wider system.

“These reports provide a comprehensive overview of patterns of care and outcomes for patients, highlighting both progress and areas where further improvement is needed. We are proud to collaborate with professional groups, charities, and people with lived experience of cancer to ensure that our audits reflect real-world needs and drive meaningful change.”  

Dr  Julie Nossiter, Director of Operations, NATCAN