New analysis from Macmillan Cancer Support[i] shows just 53% of people diagnosed with cancer in London in the previous 5 years report being given a care plan to ensure they got the right support[ii] – 22% said they did not get one, equating to around 25,000 people across the capital[iii].

In addition, only 40% of those diagnosed with cancer in London in the previous 5 years said they were asked about all their key support needs, eg. emotional, financial and practical as well as their physical health[iv], while almost one in four (24%) said they were treated like they were ‘just an illness, not a whole person’[v].

As well as the emotional, financial and practical aspects of cancer, Macmillan knows that many patients are left with long-term treatment after-effects that can have a huge impact on people’s health, wellbeing and independence.

The Transforming Cancer Services Team for London (TCST) and Macmillan Cancer Support organised a workshop this month with the participation of NHS decision-makers, healthcare professionals and clinicians to make sure every cancer diagnosis addresses all aspects of care such as financial, emotional, practical. People that live with a cancer diagnosis shared their own powerful stories and experiences dealing with all sorts of consequences of their cancer diagnosis like fertility issues, work, money and losing control of their lives.

Kiwi Patel, 40, from West London was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was 31 and knows from experience the huge difference it can make if a cancer patient is treated as more than just their diagnosis. He said:

“Cancer is an enormous learning curve from day one – there are so many aspects to it. Everyone’s different but for me it really affected my mental health. I contacted Macmillan and they actually just listened and helped me to deal with all those emotions. They also helped me know what rights I had regarding my employer and their legal responsibilities.

“It’s a complete minefield but Macmillan really helped me to process everything because they used layman’s terms and that made it easier.

“I think it’s really important when dealing with people at their most vulnerable to look past the condition and treat them as an individual. There is a saying that when you treat a disease, you either win or lose but when you treat a person it doesn’t matter what the outcome is – you’ll always be successful.”

Macmillan’s research further shows that the vital care that thousands of people with cancer in London are missing out on is associated with a lower likelihood of severe mental health impacts related to a cancer diagnosis, including suicidal thoughts:

UK cancer patients diagnosed in the previous 2 years who were treated like they were ‘just an illness, not a whole person’ were two-thirds more likely to have doubted if it was worth having treatment for their cancer[vi], while those who were asked about all of their key support needs were half as likely to have experienced suicidal thoughts[vii].
Macmillan wants to provide all cancer patients with an assessment to understand all their needs, triggering a tailor-made care plan which will direct them to expert support and information.

Emma Tingley, Macmillan Head of Partnerships in London, said: “It’s devastating to hear that a lack of personalised care could be having such a significant impact on the lives of people diagnosed with cancer. Treating cancer patients more like individuals could literally save lives and that’s why Macmillan and the Transforming Cancer Services Team for London organised a workshop with the participation of Londoners living with cancer to call on decision-makers to do everything in their power to ensure all people diagnosed with cancer receive care tailored to meet all of their individual needs – not just to treat the illness.

“In 2022, Macmillan invested £8m in personalised care across the capital to fund new roles and services to help stop cancer patients falling through the cracks. People with cancer should be supported to live fully, not just survive.”