RCR: More radiologists needed to kick cancer

The U.K. Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) applauds the ambition of the new English Cancer Strategy plan for 2015-2020, but urges that more radiologists and an emphasis on advanced radiotherapy are needed to achieve the strategy's aims.

Early diagnosis means more patients having more scans, but at the moment radiology services are unable to cope with the current demand, according to the RCR. It advises that improving access to scans as proposed by the strategy requires a step change in diagnostic capacity, which means more radiologists.

A major increase in the number of clinical radiologist training places, investment in new equipment, and a vigorous overseas recruitment campaign to fill the 421 senior/consultant radiologist posts currently vacant are required, the RCR said.

Also, there will need to be a greater emphasis on advanced radiotherapy and minimally invasive interventional techniques that can cure cancer without the need for radical surgery, the college added.