Siân James MP, Chair of the Melanoma Taskforce, a group of leading skin cancer experts, has welcomed the Government’s new cancer reform strategy, ‘Improved Outcomes: a Strategy for Cancer’, announced on Wednesday, but called for more action to tackle the alarming rise in the incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Applauding the extra focus and funding that is to be given to improved prevention strategies and the increased focus on diagnosing all cancers early, she particularly welcomed the publication of 2015 Skin Cancer Visions, which set out the direction of travel for skin cancer services over the next four years. Of the proposals that make up the new Visions, 17 directly echo the recommendations made by the Melanoma Taskforce in its report last year. Siân James MP today called on the Government to implement these recommendations to prevent the further rise of melanoma, which killed more than 2,000 people in the UK in 2008. Praising the impact of the Melanoma Taskforce in the formation of the Visions, Siân James MP highlighted some of the most important areas where the Government should take immediate steps to ensure the Visions become reality: • Skin cancer charities should work collaboratively with public health directors to target messages about the dangers of overexposure to the sun and the importance of early detection to the most susceptible groups. • Quality Standards in melanoma should be introduced to provide a robust service framework and outcome goals that will guide the new GP consortia in commissioning skin cancer services. • more training in dermatology for GPs should be provided including mandatory training in how to recognise melanoma in order to improve early diagnosis. • as it is likely that there will be an increasing number of patients with metastatic disease, consideration should be given to how their management should be different from those with primary skin cancers. Commenting on the new Strategy and Skin Cancer Visions, Siân James MP said: “I am delighted that the Government’s new cancer strategy recognises the important role that prevention and awareness campaigns can play in tackling the rising incidence of skin cancer. the Sunbed bill comes into effect from April this year and will play a large role in prevention strategies. it is equally important that GPs and all professionals that come into contact with people’s skin are given the training to spot the signs and symptoms of skin cancer and that patients with melanoma are able to access the best treatment and care.”  

For more information:dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_123371

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Last updated on: 14/01/2011 09:44:20