We are in an era marked by remarkable human and medical advancements, and a rapidly-evolving understanding of the intricacies of oncology. To counterbalance this progress, this Charter presents a transformative blueprint for a modern, empathic, and caring approach to cancer, dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of present and future patients. At the heart of this document lies a commitment to usher in a new era of genuinely patient-centric care within the NHS.
Grounded in the belief that every individual unfortunate enough to receive a diagnosis of cancer deserves not only cutting-edge medical treatments but also unwavering empathy and support, the ‘Yes to Life Charter for Oncology’ seeks to redefine the standards of care in the oncological arena.
The Charter is more than just a set of guidelines; it is a manifesto for change. It envisions an NHS cancer service that seamlessly integrates the latest advancements in medical science with a compassionate and humanistic approach that will radically improve the experience of cancer care and support patients in meeting the immense challenges of coming to terms with a life that will never be the same. To achieve this, we must transform cancer care to extend well beyond clinical expertise, to encompass a deep appreciation of the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of the patient’s experience.
The Yes to Life Charter for Oncology sets out the charity’s aspirational vision for the qualities that will underpin a modern, empathic and caring NHS cancer service to meet the needs of current and future patients.
If you would like to support our Charter, there are several ways to do so. You can become a Supporter, sign the petition here for the Charter to be discussed in Parliament, or send the Charter to your doctor, practitioner or anyone you feel may be interested. You can also send a letter to your local MP to get the Charter to the right people to be discussed and implemented.
You can read the full Charter here: The Yes to Life Charter for Oncology
And you sign our Petition to draw attention to the Charter here: Implement the Yes to Life Charter for Oncology
Dr Everington practices at a GP partnership which is part of the Bromley by Bow Centre, an innovative community organisation with more than 100 projects under its roof supporting wider determinants of health.
Considered a founder of the social prescribing movement, he says “…it focuses on what matters to patients. This increases satisfaction, delivers better health outcomes and reduces prescribing and referral costs.”
Under his chairmanship of Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group, the Group was awarded Clinical Commissioning Group of the year by the Health Service Journal in November 2014, receiving praise for“strong leadership, especially clinical leadership, while retaining patient focus.”
“The Yes to Life Charter for Oncology will improve the early diagnosis of cancer and provide holistic care to those living with it”
Dr Kechagioglou is a Senior Consultant Clinical Oncologist practising at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire.
She has experience in advanced radiotherapy techniques for breast cancer including proton therapy, personalised chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments based on genomic testing, as well as integrative oncology.
Dr Kechagioglou currently serves as the Chief Clinical Information and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at UHCW.
She has also recently served as Co-Chair of the British Society for Integrative Oncology.
“As an oncologist, passionate about health creation and patient empowerment, I support the Yes to Life Charter for Oncology; the latter advocates for an Integrative Medicine approach to cancer care, supports patients to navigate health and care choices, and inspires a compassionate and inclusive culture in healthcare”
Chris founded Chris’s Cancer Community in 2007 out of a personal need for practical support during his own cancer experience.
He has transformed the cancer support landscape by advocating for patient inclusion and breaking down silos among charities.
He has played a pivotal role in ensuring patients’ voices are heard and championing their rights within the industry through speaking engagements, worldwide presentations, and collaboration with clinicians. Chris is recognised as an influential figure, driving change and disrupting the sector. Chris is also COO of YourSimPal, an innovative charity supporting individuals affected by cancer.
“The Yes to Life Charter for Oncology will help create a crucial working ‘partnership’ between patient and clinician, as the numbers affected by cancer increase rapidly. I am proud to have my name associated, and wish I could claim that I created it!”
Sheila is well-known as a pioneering broadcaster who has presented the BBC Food Programme for more than 20 years.
Amongst the enormously wide-ranging content of the show, she has presented some of the very first UK public broadcasts ever to tackle questions around nutrition and cancer, and in 2011 she spoke with Jenni Murray on BBC Woman’s Hour about her own experience of cancer, and shared her views on the role of nutrition.
Sheila has never fought shy of asking the hard questions, whether about government policy or medical dogma.
“I support the Yes to Life Charter for Oncology because, after 13 years of cancer treatment in the NHS, I see the limitations of the conventional medical model in treating cancer. I have a remarkable open-minded oncologist in charge of my treatment, but around him a shredded system that damages, sometimes kills, people with its certainty that patients have nothing to contribute to their recovery except obedience”
Fill in the form below if you want to support “The Yes to Life Charter for Oncology” and we will get in touch
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