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The Government has confirmed that NHS England cancer targets are to be streamlined, moving from 10 performance standards to three from October.

The new guidelines will move away from the “outdated” 2-week wait target, the Government said, which will be replaced with the Faster Diagnosis Standard.

Currently, anyone who is referred urgently by their GP with suspected cancer must be seen by a specialist within 14 days.

The Faster Diagnosis Standard was initially introduced in April 2021 but has been under “rigorous consultation”, according to the Government. It aims to diagnose 75% of people with cancer at an early stage, as well as cutting down the time between referral and diagnosis to reduce anxiety for patients. It also supports a goal outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan to have 55,000 more people surviving cancer for 5 years or longer by 2028.

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‘I am supporting the OPA’s mission to raise awareness for Oesophageal and Gastric cancers, as well as, continue their amazing work in supporting patients, their families and also helping prevent this terrible disease – which doesn’t get as much wide spread attention as it should do – so, the more we raise, support and talk about the OPA the more aware people will be!

The OPA is close to mine and my family’s heart as sadly my dad passed away in March after a hard thought battle with Oesophageal cancer.

We decided to honour my dad, Roy’s memory by walking Ben Nevis for the OPA on a sunny day in early June, it was a great experience – even getting lucky enough to see the recently retired C130 Hercules fly past a couple of times at the summit which added to a very fulfilling day especially as my dad was a big fan of RAF aircrafts!

I hope the money raised will go a long way to supporting other families and individuals who are sadly going through a similar situation. hopefully, it’s the start of many fundraisers to help the OPA continue the great work they do.’ – Stan Armstrong

Brief overview:

The Cancer Prevention Group at King’s College London need to hear your views on a large-scale new research project they we will be running.

Click here, or on the image below, to complete the short survey (by the 11th August). Your input is greatly valued.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Best Wishes,
Team OPA

Older people with unexplained fatigue or mental health problems should be offered a vitamin B12 test, according to our latest guidance. Our draft publication offers evidence-based recommendations on how to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency and which treatment option to use. It recommends that patients should be offered a blood test if they have 1 symptom and at least 1 risk factor. One in 10 people over the age of 75 have a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to anaemia, blurred vision, impaired balance and delirium. Up to 46,000 people could benefit from being diagnosed.

Consultation on our draft guideline is open until 5pm on Tuesday 22 August 2023.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/GID-NG10176/documents/draft-guidelinedraft-guideline (nice.org.uk)

Thank you to Ray Clark, who is holding another fundraising charity night where a donation will go to the OPA!

The night will include signing along with Ray to hits from the 60’s and 70’s and feet tapping to the best of brass, Swinton Training Band.

When? – Saturday 16th September 2023 @ 7:30pm
Where? – The Kirk Theatre, Pickering

Tickets are £10 and can be purchased online – https://kirktheatre.co.uk/ or by calling the box office on 01751 474 833.

Research Study – Breath Analysis for Diagnosis of Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC)
We are engaged in a collaborative effort with a clinical research fellow, Ms Sameera Sharma, from Professor G Hanna’s team at the Department of Surgery and Cancer, located at Hammersmith Hospital. The objective is to develop a breath study that can effectively detect oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) at an early stage. The study will be conducted across multiple centres in the United Kingdom and will involve the recruitment of both OSCC patients and non-cancer controls.
To ensure the study’s success, we are seeking to establish a project advisory group comprising members of the public. Their valuable insights and personalised input will be instrumental in shaping the study’s direction. This group will play a pivotal role in the ongoing management of the study.
Please see attached information for more details:
If you are interested in being involved in this exciting research, please contact Sameera Sharma at ssharma@ic.ac.uk.

The OPA are thrilled and honoured to be recognised as the Cancer Support NPO of the Year! ️ Our dedicated team and incredible community have worked tirelessly to provide hope, support, and strength to those affected by cancer. Together, we’re making a difference and empowering lives. Thank you for believing in our mission! ❤️

The informal first post-COVID cancer support meeting was held on Saturday 20th May 2023 at The Tower Hotel, London.

This meeting was a heart-warming and valuable experience. This gathering provided a casual and supportive environment for individuals affected by cancer to connect, share stories, and offer mutual encouragement as we navigate life after cancer.

Thank you to all that attended.

Exclusive offer – Bed Wedge Pillow from Putnams

In this leaflet, you will find information about bed wedge pillows and how to take advantage of this offer.

OPA x Putnams Leaflet – The OPA