It isn't always easy to say what you want when all the 'experts' have their opinions. But your wishes should be taken into account. (Find out more on what you can expect from NHS services, according to recent Guidance published by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.)
Some of the different types of facility you might want to find out about are:
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GP, district nursing and other services provided in the community
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cancer centres - large specialist centres for cancer, usually based in general hospitals
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cancer units - smaller centres, often based in local hospitals, which have facilities to treat the more common types of cancer
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palliative care services
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hospice care
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specialist cancer centres for children
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specialist cancer units for teenagers
All of these services should link together to work for you. They should be 'patient-centred' and take account of your needs.
You may also want to ask about the different sorts of people who can provide your treatment and care. Many experts in healthcare think that the highest standards of care are provided by:
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a surgeon with a specific expertise in the kind of cancer you have
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a specialist team led by a consultant oncologist (specialist in cancer)
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radiotherapy and chemotherapy staff with a specific expertise in the kind of cancer you have
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a specialist nurse, counsellor, and palliative care team.
Standards of cancer care, and the way it is organised, vary in different parts of the country. Politicians and healthcare staff are aware of this, and are trying to push forward changes that will mean that there is a network of expertise on cancer care throughout every area of the United Kingdom.
The Government has set out a plan of action called the NHS Cancer Plan, to improve cancer services in England. This aims to cut waiting times, increase the number of cancer specialists, and reduce local variations by introducing set national standards.
You may want to find out about the current success rates of different units and centres in your area. These figures are not easily available at the moment, and if you do find them they need to be read carefully. You can ask the PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) in your hospital or your Trust's Patient and Public Involvement Forum for advice. In Wales, contact your local Community Health Council. Local Health Councils in Scotland, and Health and Social Services Councils in Northern Ireland will also be able to offer information about this.