On 14th June 2023, Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, alongside The Health Policy Partnership and a group of dedicated supporters, travelled to Parliament to share the neuroendocrine cancer: ideal patient care pathway with MPs.
The pathway was created to address the persistent challenges and inequities in diagnosis and disease management that have been affecting patients with neuroendocrine cancers, also known as neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), in England.
The day was commenced by Rt Hon Justin Madders MP who spoke about the frustrations and struggles of living with Neuroendocrine Cancer in a ‘pathless world’, given the experience one of his employees and Neuroendocrine Cancer patient Kerie, had shared with him.
Catherine Bouvier shared an overview of neuroendocrine cancer, various treatment options and the challenges faced by those living with neuroendocrine cancer. She spoke passionately about the pathway, highlighting that ‘the time to act is now’.
Actor Olivia Williams gave a personal account of her struggles in obtaining a correct diagnosis, and the difficulties in accessing appropriate care.
Listen to Olivia’s story here: https://www.neuroendocrinecancer.org.uk/navigating-cancer-care-olivia-williams-story-ignites-the-need-for-optimal-care-pathways/
Consultant Endocrinologist and UKINETS Education and Training Committee Chair Dr Alia Munir discussed how establishing a standard care pathway for neuroendocrine cancer could benefit everyone living with the condition while still supporting the NHS’s current ambitions and practices.
Throughout the event, MPs were able to prompt change by signing a pledge to support people with neuroendocrine cancer and push for the implementation of the ideal care pathway in their constituencies. A total of 11 MPs pledged their support. We thank each and every one of you!
Paula Barker, MP for Liverpool Wavertree
Dawn Butler, MP for Brent Central
Patrick Grady, MP for Glasgow North
Kate Hollern, MP for Blackburn
Rachel Hopkins, MP for Luton South
Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston
Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central
Marie Rimmer CBE, MP for St Helens and Whiston
Greg Smith, MP for Buckingham
Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South
Rt Hon Mark Tami, MP for Alyn and Deeside
Neuroendocrine Cancer patient and supporter, Jane Aylott
The following months will begin a new part of our campaign when we endeavour to reach the NHS Integrated Care Boards and ask them to implement the pathway into the NHS.
Please stand with us in supporting neuroendocrine cancer, advocating for optimal care pathways, and spreading awareness. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
Discover more about the #NCCarePathway and its impact on raising awareness for neuroendocrine cancer here: neuroendocrinecancer.org.uk/campaigns/nc-pathway.