Closing the Gap between Hype and Hope: New Report Examines How Health Systems Can Prepare for the Future of Cancer Diagnosis
The Health Policy Partnership (HPP) has worked with an expert steering committee to publish a report outlining the policy actions needed to prepare health systems for the future of cancer diagnosis.
The report, Powering the Future of Cancer Care with Advanced Diagnostics, details the potential of these innovative techniques to transform outcomes for people with cancer. The report also outlines five priority areas to act on so that the benefits of advanced diagnostics will be available across Europe.
While cancer outcomes are improving for some, others continue to face a poor outlook – especially when diagnosed at a later stage. Global estimates suggest that cancer will surpass cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of premature death in the 21st century.
Advanced diagnostics, which are used mainly in research settings and specialist hospitals, have the potential to provide more in-depth information on a person’s cancer than ever before. They can provide information about cancer’s genetic signature, as well as more precise images of tumours and cancer cells, more in-depth molecular information, and more powerful data and analytical tools.
These new tools could facilitate earlier and more accurate diagnoses, allow for the selection of highly tailored treatments that are more likely to be effective and reduce the likelihood of people being exposed to severe side effects from treatments that would not benefit them.
