There are around 1.8 million people with cancer at any one time in the UK and it can be estimated that at least half of these are being treated with chemo- or radiotherapy. Last month, the Department of Health published "Improving outcomes: a cancer strategy".' This builds on previous publications recognising the need for increased focus on early detection and prevention of cancer and long-term follow up for those living with the disease.The impact of more effective treatments means management of some cancers is now similar to long-term conditions. For example, patients receiving oral imatinib for chronic myeloid leukaemia have a 95 per cent five-year survival rate and can continue treatment for many years.
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