Cancer JSNA

Evidence base

This section provides links and a brief summary of a robust evidence base. For example, peer-reviewd studies, systematic revies, evaluations of interventions and best practice guidelines from national sources.

Issue number 1 = highest priority
1	Source	Cancer Research UK
	Title incl. web link	New calculations confirm lifestyle changes could prevent 4 in 10 cancer cases. Lifestyle changes could prevent 4 in 10 cancer cases
	Summary	The report states more than 135,000 cancer cases in the UK each year could be prevented through lifestyle changes including: Smoking cessation Maintaining a healthy weight Eating a balanced diet Reducing alcohol consumption Protecting skin from excessive sun exposure Avoiding certain workplace exposures Vaccination against cancer-causing infection
	Source	Pour-Rashidi, A., Yazdanpanah, N., Rezaei, N. (2023). Introduction on Cancer Modifiable Risk Factors and Prevention. In: Rezaei, N. (eds) Handbook of Cancer and Immunology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80962-1_319-1
	Title incl. web link	Introduction on Cancer Modifiable Risk Factors and Prevention Introduction on Cancer Modifiable Risk Factors and Prevention \| SpringerLink
	Summary	Emphasises that prevention strategies such as smoking cessation, dietary changes and physical activity are increasingly effective due to growing scientific understanding.
2	Source	Cancer Research UK
	Title incl. web link	Be Clear on Cancer Be Clear on Cancer \| Cancer Research UK
	Summary	The campaign ran between 2011 and 2018 and demonstrated measurable success in raising awareness of cancer symptoms and encourage earlier diagnosis. Increased public awareness – campaigns such as ‘Blood in Pee’ and ‘Lung Cancer’ significantly improved public recognition of key symptoms. Campaigns led to more people visiting their GP with relevant symptoms, particularly in target groups. There was a rise in urgent GP referrals for suspected during and after campaign periods. Some campaigns showed a shift toward earlier-stage diagnoses.
	Source	NHS England
	Title incl. web link	In the spotlight…. ‘help us, help you’ NHS England » In the spotlight… ‘help us, help you’
	Summary	The campaign replaced the Be Clear on Cancer programme and was designed to encourage earlier diagnosis by raising awareness of symptoms and urging people to seek medical advice promptly. Key phases: General Cancer Symptoms (Autumn 2020) – Focused on broad symptom awareness. Abdominal Cancer Symptoms (Winter 2020) – Targeting signs like bloating and discomfort. Lung Cancer (Spring 2021) – Highlighted persistent coughs lasting 3 or more weeks, especially in those over 60 and in deprived communities.
3	Source	Cancer Research UK
	Title incl. web link	Cancer inequalities: The problem of unwarranted variation in access to treatment Cancer inequalities: The problem of unwarranted variation in access to treatment - Cancer Research UK - Cancer News
	Summary	Highlights that unwarranted variation in access to treatment is a persistent issue. Better data granularity enables the identification of gaps in care quality and access. National cancer audits and linked datasets can reveal where certain groups are less likely to receive timely diagnosis or optimal treatment. Insights support targeted interventions to reduce inequalities.
	Source	Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, University of Cambridge
	Title incl. web link	Cancer Data Driven Detection (CD3) Programme Cancer Data Driven Detection (CD3) Programme \| Centre For Cancer Genetic Epidemiology
	Summary	CD3 aims to: Accelerate early diagnosis by using detailed data to identify those at higher risk of cancer. Integrate and link datasets across services to build a more complete picture of patient journeys. Enable personalised prevention and detection strategies especially for underserved or high-risk populations. Support innovation by providing researchers and clinicians access to high-quality, anonymised data to test and refine new detection tools and models. Reduce inequalities by identifying where delays or gaps in diagnosis occur across different demographic and geographic groups.
4	Source	NHS England
	Title incl. web link	Screening and earlier diagnosis NHS England » Screening and earlier diagnosis
	Summary	Cancer screening programmes help to diagnose cancer or cancer risk earlier and improve the likelihood of successful treatment. Cervical screening – includes HPV testing which could prevent 600 additional cervical cancers per year. Breast screening – detects cancers too small to see or feel which significantly improves survival rates when caught early.
	Source	Cancer Research UK
	Title incl. web link	Guide to GP Contract 2025/26 Guide to GP Contract 25/26 \| Cancer Research UK
	Summary	PCNs are expected to: Improve referral practices for suspected cancer cases Increase screening uptake through network-level initiatives. Reduce health inequalities in cancer diagnosis. Promote tools like FIT and Teledermatology. Support non-specific symptom cancer pathways.