Cancer innovation is saving lives – but NHS is struggling to meet rising demands

Published

1 year ago

May 6, 2024

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“The moment you have it yourself you hear it everywhere, but for something so prevalent it’s not talked about at all,” says Patrick Keane. His right arm is plugged into a tube that runs up to a bag of clear liquid in a treatment room at the Royal Free Hospital in north London, one of the UK’s largest cancer treatment centres.

The 56-year-old’s future is dependent on the slow drip of chemicals that attack the cancer cells in his body. If the tumour in his bowel can be reduced by chemotherapy, it can then be more easily surgically removed.

Returning to duties last week after his own diagnosis, the King chose to highlight innovations in cancer research and the thousands who like him are living under the shadow of the disease.

Patrick is one. Indeed, he got his cancer diagnosis in late January, around the same time as the King, and he is taking part in an innovative clinical trial that may help future patients.

In this election year, charities are calling on political parties to produce long-term plans for tackling the disease as part of their manifesto pledges. While innovation is saving lives, there is a looming budget shortfall.

Cancer Research UK, to whom the King became patron last week, estimates there will be a £1bn gap in research funding within the next decade. This is in part due to inflation combined with the cost of living crisis impacting donations to cancer charities.

Add to this that the number of us getting cancer is increasing, projected to go up by a fifth by 2040.

The Royal Free London NHS Trust, which receives the highest number of cancer referrals in London at 50,000 a year, has seen a 10,000 increase in referrals since 2019.

It’s no surprise then that the NHS is missing targets for waiting times between urgent GP referrals and treatment.

One in two of us will get cancer and, as Patrick knows too well, that word opens up a world of uncertainty. “The word carries so much baggage with it,” he says, and having it can send your mind to “some pretty dark places”.

He talks frankly about the treatment and its side effects, which after his first two rounds, have been minimal. “I didn’t have much of a head of hair to begin with,” he jokes.

Some of his hair has gone in patches, but asked what the hardest thing has been, he doesn’t hesitate: “My father passed away when I was 14. He died of cancer. I have 13-year-old twins so I couldn’t initially shift the thought – is this going to happen again? Passing 48, the age that my father died was a key milestone for me. My children being older than I was when my father passed away was another one.

“Nobody expects their dad to die. It’s a very unreal concept, and I’m not dying – but to try to have that conversation you know – ‘things will be fine.’ It’s very treatable.”

Two weeks after his third round of chemo, scans show the treatment has done its job, Patrick’s surgery can go ahead and is due to happen later this month.

More survive cancer as technology advances

Cancer is more treatable now. More of us are surviving it because technology is advancing.

At the Royal Free that ranges from a new cutting-edge £8m PET scanner, which offers a faster more accurate diagnosis, to new drugs offering greater survival chances.

Lead cancer physician at the Royal Free, Roopinder Gillmore, told Sky News: “We are doing surgery quicker, more keyhole robotic surgery in this hospital. We do liver transplants for patients with primary liver cancer, we’re trialling that out in other cancer types which is really exciting.

“We are doing more specialised radiotherapy and for me, my thing is drug treatments, and they are exponentially increasing in terms of what we can offer our patients. The big thing is immunotherapy, we didn’t have that 15 years ago. It has completely changed the outlook for people with lung cancer and skin cancer.”

Backlogs and waiting times have increased

But for all the advances, backlogs and waiting times have built up since the pandemic. The latest NHS figures show 64% of patients received their first treatment within 62 days of an urgent GP referral. The target is 85%.

That stretch on resources has a knock-on impact on patients like 29-year-old Beaux Harris.

Beaux, an actor and dancer who teaches at The Manor Dance Studio in north London, has what is called a mutated BRCA1 gene, which means her chances of getting cancer dramatically increase in her 30s.

She has a 60% chance of getting ovarian cancer and a 90% chance of getting breast cancer.

So she has decided to get a preventative double mastectomy and a hysterectomy but, due to the backlog, she has a long wait.

‘I feel like I’ve got a ticking time bomb on me’

She says: “I feel like I’ve got a ticking time bomb on me – and it is terrifying. The truth is it doesn’t really feel like a choice when you are presented with a figure like that – it’s like saying would you get on a plane with a 90% chance of it crashing? I know I wouldn’t.”

She has been told that waiting times on the NHS for her preventative treatment is two years at the earliest.

She says people on her online support groups have waited five years. She’s also been told there’s a high chance the operation could be cancelled at the last minute if a high-demand cancer patient needs the slot.

“I could get timed out,” she says. So, she is crowdfunding to get the £50,000 plus she needs to go private.

‘I would love to be worrying about things that every other 29-year-old is worrying about’

She might need more funds if she wants some sort of normality at the end of it.

She says: “If I have a hysterectomy now, I can’t have children. So, I’m also trying to raise money to freeze my eggs. Something that is offered on the NHS to cancer patients, but not to BRCA patients.”

She certainly doesn’t want to wait until she gets cancer. Ovarian cancer is known as the silent killer due to the difficulty in early detection.

Beaux’s grandmother, her mother, and her aunt all died of cancer because of the BRCA1 mutated gene, she hopes to be the first female in her family in generations to survive having it.

“I would love to be worrying about things that every other 29-year-old is worrying about,” she says. “I’ve got some bloody Olivia awards to win!”

Indeed, Beaux is using her talents putting on performances and doing tap dance sessions to raise money for her treatment.

In some ways it is taken for granted that, because it touches so many of us, most of the money raised for cancer research in this country comes from the British public, but charities say the government needs to play a bigger role in ensuring the UK continues to innovate and improve treatment for what remains the defining health issue of our time.

UK

Trump hails ‘highest honour of my life’ at state banquet – as King references trade, Ukraine and environment

Published

5 hours ago

September 18, 2025

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Trump hails 'highest honour of my life' at state banquet - as King references trade, Ukraine and environment

Donald Trump said being the first US president to enjoy a second British state visit was “one of the highest honours of my life”, as he wined and dined with royalty at Windsor Castle.

Wednesday evening’s state banquet came after a day full of pomp and pageantry for Mr Trump, who was treated to a carriage procession, military parade, and plenty more lavish treatment.

Trump’s state banquet as it happened

Suited and booted for the banquet to bring the day to a close, sat between the King and Princess of Wales, the president thanked the monarch and Queen for their “extraordinary graciousness”.

Mr Trump said it was a “singular privilege” to be the first American president to be granted a second state banquet, adding: “This is truly one of the highest honours of my life, such respect for you and such respect for your country.”

He suggested it might be the last time it happens, adding “I hope it is actually” to laughter.

Mr Trump’s speech at the banquet followed one from the King, who referenced trade, Ukraine, and environmentalism.

The monarch said the UK and US “fought together to defeat the forces of tyranny” during the First and Second World War, and added: “Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine to deter aggression and secure peace.”

He mentioned trade between the two countries early in the speech, saying: “Today, our alliance spans every field of endeavour and shows vast potential for growth.

“The United Kingdom was your partner in the first trade deal of your administration, Mr President, bringing jobs and growth to both our countries.

“And no doubt we can go even further as we build this new era of our partnership.”

The King also referenced the environment and said that “in striving for a better world, we also have a precious opportunity to safeguard and to restore the wonders and beauty of nature for the generations who follow us”.

And in more lighthearted comments, the monarch said that “I cannot help but wonder what our forefathers from 1776 would make of our friendship” to audible laughter from the president.

Red Arrows, tech giants and French menu

The dinner capped off Mr Trump’s first day of his state visit to the UK, with the US president joining King Charles to watch a military parade – replete with a Red Arrows flyover – held at Windsor Castle.

He and first lady Melania Trump also paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II at St George’s Chapel, where they laid a wreath at her tomb.

The banquet had 160 attendees, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Sir Keir Starmer, and a long list of American technology CEOs – including Apple’s Tim Cook, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella.

The Silicon Valley executives are in the country as the UK and US announce a landmark technology deal worth billions of pounds.

Sir Keir, meanwhile, has his focus set on talks with Mr Trump at his Chequers country retreat on Thursday.

Photos from Windsor Castle ahead of the banquet showed a lavish arrangement – with a menu in French as has been tradition since the Norman conquests of the 11th century.

Has the royal Truman Show for Trump been worth the enormous effort?

Dominic Waghorn

International affairs editor

@DominicWaghorn

Trump state visit II has so far been like The Truman Show.

A lavish production and spectacle revolving around just one man, while outside the set of Windsor Castle, beyond the big walls put up to fence it in, the world goes on.

The question is – has it been worth all the enormous effort and expense?

Click here to read more

UK-US bond ‘unbreakable’, says Trump

On the relationship between the UK and US, Mr Trump said that “seen from American eyes, the word special does not begin to do it justice,” before adding: “We’re like two notes in one chord or two verses of the same prose.

“Each beautiful on its own, but really meant to be played together. The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal.

“It’s irreplaceable and unbreakable.”

He then made a reference to former US president Joe Biden, saying: “We had a very sick country one year ago, and today I believe we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world.”

Mr Trump also told the King he had raised “a remarkable son” in Prince William before saying: “Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness Princess Catherine so radiant and so healthy, so beautiful.”

UK

Has the royal Truman Show for Trump been worth the enormous effort and expense?

Published

5 hours ago

September 18, 2025

admin

Has the royal Truman Show for Trump been worth the enormous effort and expense?

Trump state visit II has so far been like The Truman Show.

A lavish production and spectacle revolving around just one man, while outside the set of Windsor Castle, beyond the big walls put up to fence it in, the world goes on.

The question is – has it been worth all the enormous effort and expense?

Britain’s constitutional monarchy has mustered all its ceremonial might to pull off an extraordinary show.

Latest updates on Trump’s state visit

Donald Trump has seemed genuinely moved by the performance put on by a cast of hundreds entirely for his benefit.

But there has seemed something missing – people.

Previous state visits have always involved the monarch’s subjects, lining the route as the honoured guest is transported by state coach.

On Wednesday, plenty of deer roamed Windsor Great Park, but not the public.

There was good reason for this royal Truman Show.

Like Truman Burbank, Donald Trump could not be exposed to the reality of life outside the castle fencing and walls.

Such a thin-skinned president might react adversely, it was decided by those organising this visit.

We will get a first sense of what Britain gets in return for all this on Thursday, the business end of this state visit.

What deals have been struck by the tech and business titans the US president has brought with him?

Will there be any sign that he has moderated his positions on Ukraine and Gaza? Will he make concessions to the UK on trade?

The real world starts crowding back in on Trump on Thursday afternoon when he faces journalists at a closing news conference.

Two words threaten to upset the president’s mood. Jeffrey and Epstein.

The gathering storm surrounding the infamous paedophile soured the mood ahead of this visit and claimed the scalp of Britain’s ambassador in Washington, Lord Mandelson.

Could the scandal also upset its outcome?

UK

MSPs vote to abolish Scottish legal system’s controversial not proven verdict

Published

10 hours ago

September 17, 2025

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MSPs vote to abolish Scottish legal system's controversial not proven verdict

MSPs have voted to abolish Scotland’s controversial not proven verdict.

The Scottish government’s flagship Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill was passed on Wednesday following a lengthy debate of more than 160 amendments that began the day before.

The new legislation makes a series of changes to the justice system, including scrapping the not proven verdict; establishing a specialist sexual offences court; creating a victims and witnesses commissioner; reforming the jury process to require a two-thirds majority for conviction; and implementing Suzanne’s Law which will require the parole board to take into account if a killer continues to refuse to reveal where they hid their victim’s body.

Following Royal Assent, the legislation will be implemented in phases.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “This historic legislation will put victims and witnesses at the heart of a modern and fair justice system.

“By changing culture, process and practice across the system, it will help to ensure victims are heard, supported, protected and treated with compassion, while the rights of the accused will continue to be safeguarded.

“This legislation, which builds on progress in recent years, has been shaped by the voices of victims, survivors, their families and support organisations, and it is testimony to their tireless efforts to campaign for further improvement.

“I am grateful to those who bravely shared their experiences to inform the development of this legislation and pave a better, more compassionate path for others.”

Not proven verdict

Currently, juries in Scotland have three verdicts open to them when considering the evidence after a trial, and can find an accused person either guilty or not guilty, or that the case against them is not proven.

Like not guilty, the centuries-old not proven verdict results in an accused person being acquitted.

Critics have argued it can stigmatise a defendant by appearing not to clear them, while failing to provide closure for the alleged victim.

Notable cases which resulted in a not proven verdict include Sir Hugh Campbell and Sir George Campbell, who were tried for high treason in 1684 for being present at the Battle of Bothwell Bridge.

The murder of Amanda Duffy, 19, in South Lanarkshire in 1992 sparked a national conversation around the existence of the not proven verdict and double jeopardy rules.

Suspect Francis Auld stood trial but the case was found not proven by a jury and an attempt to secure a retrial failed in 2016. Auld died the following year.

In 2018, a sexual assault case against former television presenter John Leslie was found not proven.

And in 2020, former first minister Alex Salmond was found not guilty on 12 sexual assault charges, while one charge of sexual assault with intent to rape was found not proven.

Victim Support Scotland (VSS) had earlier urged MSPs to put aside party politics and vote “for the intention of the bill”.

Kate Wallace, chief executive of VSS, believes the act is a “solid foundation” on which to build further improvements.

She added: “The passing of this act represents a momentous occasion for Scotland’s criminal justice system.

“It marks a significant step towards creating a system that considers and prioritises the needs of people impacted by crime.”

VSS worked with the families of Arlene Fraser and Suzanne Pilley to spearhead Suzanne’s Law.

Ms Fraser was murdered by estranged husband Nat Fraser in 1998, while Ms Pilley was killed by David Gilroy in 2010. To date, the women’s bodies have never been recovered.

Before the bill, parole board rules dictated that a killer’s refusal to disclose the information “may” be taken into account.

The new legislation means parole boards “must” take the refusal to cooperate into account.

Carol Gillies, sister of Ms Fraser, and Gail Fairgrieve, sister of Ms Pilley said: “We have done everything possible to make this change to parole in memory of Arlene and Suzanne, and for other people who have lost their lives in such a horrific way.

“For our families, the passing of this act and the change to parole are momentous.”

Read more from Sky News:
Why next year’s Scottish elections could get messy

The Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Labour voted against the bill.

Although in support of the abolition of the not proven verdict, the Scottish Tories said they had been left with no alternative but to oppose the bill after the SNP rejected a series of amendments.

The party had called for a Scotland-only grooming gangs inquiry; wanted victims to be told if a decision was taken not to prosecute an accused; and for all victims to be informed if a plea deal was struck between defence and prosecution lawyers.

They also wanted Suzanne’s Law to be strengthened, which would have compelled killers to reveal the location of their victim’s body or risk having their parole rejected – ensuring “no body, no release”.

MSP Liam Kerr, shadow justice secretary, said: “This half-baked bill sells the victims of crime desperately short.

“By ignoring many of the key demands of victims’ groups, the SNP have squandered the chance for a long overdue rebalancing of Scotland’s justice system.

“The Scottish Conservatives’ common sense amendments would have given this legislation real teeth but, by rejecting them, the nationalists have delivered a victims’ bill in name only.

“While we back the abolition of the not proven verdict, the SNP’s intransigence on a number of key issues meant we could not support this bill in its final form.”