Local cancer patients report lack of GP support

The big picture: The data reveals gaps in primary care support for cancer patients, though overall care ratings remain high.

Key findings:

• 19% of 259 patients felt GP support during cancer care was insufficient

• Overall care rating averaged 9 out of 10 from 452 respondents

• 79% of 207 patients had full confidence in their care team, up from 74% last year

Why it matters: Proper support throughout cancer treatment is crucial for patient wellbeing. The survey highlights areas for improvement in local healthcare.

Nationwide trends:

• 22% of patients across England reported inadequate GP support

• National average care rating rose slightly to 8.9 out of 10

• Disparities exist for transgender, black, and LGBTQ+ patients, who reported poorer experiences

What they're saying: Sarah Ruane, Macmillan Cancer Support: "It's unacceptable that some people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQ+ community, or with an additional long-term health condition are significantly more likely to report poorer overall experiences of cancer care."

Naser Turabi, Cancer Research UK: "A dedicated long-term cancer strategy is desperately needed to bring cancer waiting times down in England."

An NHS spokesperson said: "It's encouraging to see that, on average, patients rated their overall experience of care 8.89 out of ten compared to 8.88 last year – and that more than three quarters of those surveyed said they received the right amount of support from hospital staff."

The bottom line: While local trust scores are generally positive, there's room for improvement in GP support and addressing disparities in care experiences.