Addenbrooke’s is proud that its clinical outcomes for cancer patients are among the best in the country. However, due to the growing population, it is predicted that the hospital will see over 3,300 more individual cancer patients a year by 2020, so ambitious plans are needed to provide the best patient experience.
The aim of the ACT on Cancer campaign is to ensure that patients receive the very best services, using the latest advances in research and technology, in improved spaces which better facilitate excellence in care.
The launch event will give patients, hospital staff and ACT’s supporters the opportunity to learn more about aspirations for the campaign and to hear from leading clinicians about their plans to transform services.
Dr Hugo Ford, Director of Cancer Services, will outline the need to improve the patient experience, along with Mr Nimish Shah, Consultant Urologist and Professor Carlos Caldas, Director of the Cambridge Breast Cancer Research Unit, who will discuss how the latest innovations in technology, research and care can make a difference for breast cancer and prostate cancer patients.
Dr Ford said: “This campaign will bring about much needed change, improving services for cancer patients at Addenbrooke’s and supporting research with far reaching benefits for patients in this region and beyond. ACT campaigns make a real difference, enabling Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals to provide a level of care beyond that which the NHS alone can provide.”
Susanne Owers, Director of Fundraising at ACT said: “We need to ACT on Cancer now to ensure that patients receive a better service and can benefit more from the world class scientific advances being developed right on our doorstep. The need for change is urgent and the case compelling. By supporting the ACT on Cancer campaign, you can make a real difference for patients now and in the future.”
Cambridge is a major contributor to the fight against cancer, because of its exceptional concentration of scientific and medical expertise. The Cambridge Biomedical Campus, where Addenbrooke’s is based, is home to major cancer research institutions, which makes it possible for almost half of the hospital’s cancer patients to be entered into clinical trials, adding to knowledge about which treatments work best for different types of cancer.
However, investment in cancer clinical services and facilities has lagged behind investment in cancer research and this mismatch looks set to grow further unless something is done.
The ACT on Cancer campaign aims to raise £10 million over three years, in support of three areas, to ensure that patients can benefit from the latest science and technology available:
Improving cancer patients’ experiences through investment in new clinical facilities
Addenbrooke’s Hospital is developing ambitious plans for the expansion of cancer facilities, which will enable it to meet current and future demand. These plans will not only mean more space, so more patients can be diagnosed and treated, but they will offer a new model of care, better tailored to individual needs. Importantly, clinicians and scientists will be able to work side-by-side in translating the latest research discoveries into life-saving treatments.
Supporting new technologies and therapies to transform cancer care and further improve outcomes
Specialists in Cambridge have been developing cutting edge technologies in imaging, biopsy and genetic profiling in prostate and breast cancer, primarily in research and trial situations. They now want to bring that knowledge into direct patient care by identifying tailored and personalised treatments with the most up-to-date technologies for breast cancer and prostate cancer patients to enable them to receive the best possible care.
Supporting clinical researchers with an interest in cancer at the very earliest stage of their career
Addenbrooke’s is recognised internationally as a centre of excellence where ideas created in the laboratory are translated into benefits for patients. ACT supports this by providing highly valued funding for early stage projects and creating research training opportunities for aspiring clinicians.
To find out more about the ACT on Cancer campaign and how you can get involved please see www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk/cancer, call 01223 217757 or email act@addenbrookes.nhs.uk
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Contact
Jo Morris, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), 01223 348463, 07789 561972 jo.morris@addenbrookes.nhs.uk
Cancer facts and figures
Addenbrooke’s
- In 2012/13, Addenbrooke’s saw 6,684 new cancer patients, and this number is expected to rise to 10,000 per year by 2020.
- In cancer-specific hospital mortality, Addenbrooke’s has less than 50% relative risk of in-hospital mortality compared to the England average.
- ACT-funded robotic surgery for prostate cancer patients has reduced average in-patient stays from six days to one and results in much improved quality of life following surgery. Ninety percent of all prostate operations are carried out using this technique at Addenbrooke’s, compared to a national average of 20%.
Addenbrooke’s has a huge role in shaping a brighter future, not only in diagnosing, treating and supporting the Eastern region’s cancer patients and their families, but also in spearheading translational research that can be applied across the world.
General
It is predicted that, by 2020, almost half of Britons will get cancer in their lifetime.
Cancer affects all of us. Even if we are fortunate enough to escape the disease ourselves, we all know loved ones, friends and colleagues, who have had their lives shattered by such a diagnosis.
Over 250,000 people in England are diagnosed with cancer every year and around 130,000 die from the disease. Currently, about 1.8m people are living with, and beyond, a cancer diagnosis.
About Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT)
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) is the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals. ACTraises funds for additional technology, facilities and research to help make a difference for patients at the hospitals. www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk
Registered charity number: 1048868
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