It is now widely accepted that many routine cancer follow up appointments serve little purpose in terms of detection of disease recurrence, yet they constitute a considerable medical workload. There is also evidence that the psychological needs and other concerns of people with cancer are not adequately addressed. This is recognised in the Framework for Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Care which advocates the introduction of a three tiered model of follow up that will better address the wide spectrum of need.

 To explore this issue further the Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN), in collaboration with Macmillan Cancer Support held a workshop on Tuesday 20th April, 2010 to consider the problems associated with current review arrangements from a range of perspectives. The workshop was be chaired by CMO and speakers included:

 *         Key messages from Dr Adam Glaser, a Paediatric Oncologist and also National Cancer Survivorship Lead who will give an overview of the national survivorship work. 

 *         Key messages from Dr Jane Maher, Oncologist and Macmillan Medical Director, will present new approaches to follow up particularly with regards to late effects of treatment.  

The workshop was funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and was held in the Centre for Rehabilitation Research at University of Ulster.

To access copies of the presentations from the workshop, please click here

To listen to the patient experience documentary, please click here.