Headline message

We will continue to fight cancer beyond 2020

Detailed goal

Sufficient scientists, doctors, nurses and infrastructure will be in place to ensure continued progress in the fight against cancer beyond 2020.

Background information and strategies

How we will measure this

Every two years, we will assess workforce and infrastructure deficits.

The current situation

The UK Government has recently committed to developing a new Cancer Reform Strategy to plan for the future of cancer care in England, and similar commitments have been made in other parts of the UK.

We will achieve this goal by:

• Developing and supporting initiatives that will ensure an adequate supply of high-quality, appropriately trained scientists, research-active clinicians, research nurses and technicians to meet our future needs
• Pioneering the development and provision of relevant training in our institutes and Cancer Research Centres
• Supporting initiatives to encourage more young people to pursue careers in science
• Working closely with partners to train and develop research-active health professionals across the UK, improving overall standards of care
• Lobbying Government, devolved administrations and the EU to sustain and enhance scientific and clinical research
• Ensuring that we understand where we can learn from other countries¿ experiences to improve research and care in the UK
• Identifying and providing access to the key new technologies and infrastructure that are needed to make the fastest progress in cancer research.

We hope this work will also be supported by:

Other research organisations and professional bodies

• Encouraging and supporting young doctors to take up cancer research training as part of their professional development
• Developing and supporting joint training schemes
• Collaborating to fund and support research and training infrastructure

Government

• Encouraging young people to pursue careers in science or medicine
• Continuing to support high-quality medical research throughout the NHS and in the university system
• Continuing to invest in research and training infrastructure throughout the NHS and the university system.