Cancer 52

Cancer52 is an alliance of more than 50 organisations working to address the inequalities that exist in policy, services and research into the less common cancers and to improve outcomes for patients with these highly challenging diseases.

Most who work for the organisation give their time and resources on a voluntary basis. The name derives from the fact that 52% of cancer deaths in the UK are from the less common cancers (i.e. excluding the ‘big four’: bowel, breast, lung and prostate), although in 2010 this proportion increased to 53%.

Their aims are to listen to the organisations and charities of the less common cancers (including patients and survivors, carers, families and other representatives).

Trying to raise the profile of the less common cancers by giving member charities and those they represent a more powerful voice and the driving force of a larger group.

They also share information and experience, making each member organisation more effective in its work. Many of the organisations that are part of the Cancer 52 alliance are very small and therefore have a very limited set of resources. By sharing information smaller organisations can find it easier to meet their objectives as part of a larger alliance.

The aim of Cancer 52 (C52)

C52 supports charities to make a greater impact through a collective voice on the needs of rarer cancers. Information is shared within the group and, where possible, C52 provides a representational voice for the membership. The present chairman is Simon Davies, CEO Teenage Cancer Trust.

Examples of recent outputs

1. ran a consumer workshop for the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative (NCSI) and subsequently contributed to a report on cancer survivorship
2. provided input to the Cancer Reform Strategy Review
3. contributed a list of Best Practice Examples to the National Cancer Action Team and encouraged the establishment of an on-line Best Practice Forum
4. contributed to the Liberating the NHS White Paper consultation
5. presented at the National Rarer Cancer Conference (London, 28 October, 2010)
6. provided key messages to the National Awareness and Early Diagnosis Initiative NAEDI) Forum in September 2010
7. C52 was recently requested by the Director of the National Cancer Information Network (NCIN) to contribute to the improvement of their data collection and reporting systems with respect to Rare Cancers.

“One of our key aims is to bring cancer survival rates in this country up to the level of the best. To do this we need to drive early diagnosis and to promote public awareness of all cancers. The role of Cancer 52 in this is absolutely critical.”

Vivienne Parry, OBE