Secondary Breast Cancer

I fully agree that we must ensure that people with a secondary breast cancer diagnosis receive the highest quality care.
 
I am glad that the Breast Cancer Care campaign, 'Secondary. Not Second Rate', is raising awareness of secondary breast cancer, which is estimated to affect 36,000 people in the UK. First launched in 2017, the campaign seeks to ensure that every person living with secondary breast cancer receives the appropriate care and support they require.
 
Efforts are being made to ensure that cancer services continue to improve and that the NHS continues to provide some of the world's best cancer care. In December last year, Health Education England (HEE) published its first Cancer Workforce Plan. The plan outlines HEE's commitment to support the expansion of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) so that every patient has access to a CNS or other support worker by 2021. 
 
The National Cancer Care Programme has also committed to rolling out follow-up pathways in breast cancer by 2020 to ensure patients get the right care after treatment, including information and support to spot signs of secondary cancer. These pathways also ensure that in cases of secondary cancer that patients are supported effectively, taking into account their individual preferences, which I am pleased to learn will significantly improve patient experience and quality of care.
 
These measures form just part of the NHS's ambitious wider strategy to improve cancer outcomes and to improve quality of life for patients. Following the announcement of a £20.5 billion funding increase in the NHS England budget, I am encouraged that the cancer strategy will improve outcomes for those currently living with secondary breast cancer.