Every year on 4 February, the world observes World Cancer Day, an international day dedicated to raising awareness about cancer, encouraging prevention, and mobilising action to tackle the global cancer epidemic. Led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the day reminds us of the critical importance of putting people at the heart of cancer care.
The theme for this year, “United by Unique”, celebrates the individuality of every person affected by cancer. It highlights the need to recognise the unique experiences, challenges, and perspectives of patients, families, and communities, ensuring that care and research are tailored to the person, not just the disease.
The SPCR has funded research projects that advocate for better care and support for people affected by cancer, and these projects reflect our commitment to evidence-based improvements that enhance quality of life, inform care pathways, and place patients at the centre of care.
Some examples of our research where people have been central include:
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NEWS: The role of community pharmacies in early cancer detection with a focus on deprivation. An examination of how community pharmacies can play a key role in early cancer detection, especially in deprived areas (grant number: 602)
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PUBLICATION: Barriers and facilitators to prostate cancer healthcare in Black men in the UK: from diagnosis to survivorship This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research (grant award reference: 677).
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BLOG POST: The MODE Study “One Sheet of Paper” Analysis Day. In the MODE Study (NIHR SPCR grant 680), three SPCR institutions are taking a mixed-methods approach to help understand when interim diagnoses might represent missed opportunities to diagnose cancer.