Benefits from specialised cancer care.
The Expert Advisory Group's recommendations to establish cancer centres, cancer units, and a network involving primary care for the treatment of cancer patients in the UK is based on the view that specialisation in cancer care will improve outcomes. Evidence to support the various aspects of specialisation (eg, training, caseload, and the formation of multidisciplinary teams) is strongest for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and some haematological malignant diseases. There is evidence to support the view that some specialised care can be successfully delivered by a network of district hospitals and main general or teaching hospitals and does not always require referral to cancer centres.
Selby
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Imperial Cancer Research Fund Cancer Medicine Research Unit, St James's University Hospital, Leeds UK.
Gillis
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C
Haward
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R
D002173:Cancer Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005060:Europe; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D015996:Survival Rate; D006113:United Kingdom