[Friday 30th January]

As we approach World Cancer Day on Wednesday 4th February, we’re once again supporting the call to place people at the centre of cancer care. A person-centred approach means changing how cancer services and follow-up care are designed and delivered, recognising that every individual’s experience and recovery is different.

Working with people who have lived experience is essential to shaping services and care models that truly meet their needs. Listening to people affected by cancer helps create care that is coordinated, compassionate and joined up, continuing beyond treatment into survivorship. This includes addressing long-term impacts, dignity, health literacy, and the wider support needs of patients and their families.

 

Evidence and regional evaluation findings

The importance, effectiveness and necessity of late effects services was clearly reflected in the findings of the South West Radiotherapy Late Effects Services (SWRLES) Evaluation Report (2025), an independent review of services across the SWAG Cancer Alliance covering Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire. It shows how person-centred, joined-up late effects services can make a real difference for people and for health services.

The recent publication, Late effects services for adults living with and beyond cancer: a scoping exercise of the current provision in the UK (January 2026), highlights that most people experiencing late effects are unable to access specialist services due to the limited availability across the UK. The report also notes that the NHS could better meet the long-term needs of people living with and beyond cancer by investing further in these services. Read more in Cancer Nursing Practice.

The Future of Late Effects Services?

We fully support the development of sustainable late effects services across the UK, especially in areas where support is most urgently needed. This World Cancer Day, we will stand united in recognising every person’s unique experience and in building care around it.

As we await the NHS England National Cancer Plan, we remain hopeful it will include a clear commitment to late effects services and person-centred support across England. Although the plan is specific to NHS England, we hope the recommendations will help influence decision makers in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales as well.

Every story, every voice: Your voice matters!

Sharing your experience with PRD can make a real difference. By telling your story, you can help raise awareness, guide others to our support services, and educate both individuals and healthcare professionals about PRD. Your voice is powerful—it can inform, inspire, and create change for those affected by Pelvic Radiation Disease.