Challenges and opportunities for cancer in the post-COVID NHS

DATA-CAN’s scientific lead, Prof Mark Lawler, spoke at a Public Policy Projects (PPP) event on the challenges and opportunities for cancer in the post-COVID NHS.

Prof Lawler spoke about DATA-CAN’s research with the UCL Institute of Health Informatics which analysed near real-time data from NHS cancer centres to look at the effect of the COVID-19 emergency on cancer care.

Mark told the event, “Real-time NHS data allows us to look at what’s happening on the ground and start to develop solutions and learn from experience. As well as following the science, we also need to follow the data to be able to deliver the best possible care for our patients.”

The event was introduced by former health secretary Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell and chaired by former health minister Baroness Nicola Blackwood. NHS England’s national cancer director, Dame Cally Palmer, also spoke at the event.

PPP launched a white paper, in collaboration with IQVIA, at the event – Getting real: the potential that real-world evidence can realise for patients.

Watch a recording of the event here.