How far we’ve come in 30 years
“Marking 30 years since Roy’s passing, Fiona Castle and Dr Emma O’Dowd appeared on BBC Breakfast.”
“From treatment advances to better support and screening, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation remains dedicated to improving lives.”
“The feature included interviews with chief executive Paula Chadwick, researcher Mike Davies, and patient advocates Terry Kavanagh and Nick Whitehead.”
Catching lung cancer earlier
Paula Chadwick highlighted the incredible work of lung cancer screening and how detection rates are being ‘turned on their heads’.
Latest data show that 75% of people with lung cancer are diagnosed at late stage (3 and 4) when curative treatment is no longer possible. However, for those diagnosed through screening, three quarters are caught at stages one and two.
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation has long campaigned for screening and funded research behind one NHS risk model.
Dame Cally Palmer said: “The foundation’s achievements are a powerful testament to Roy’s legacy.”
“Detection and treatment have improved, with lung cancer survival rates increasing by 12% between 2010 and 2019.”
“Since launching in 2019, NHS Targeted Lung Health Checks have diagnosed thousands of lung cancers, with three quarters found early.” Before the programme, that figure was just 29%, marking a major step forward in improving survival rates.”
But Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation does more than just research. It also provides vital support to everyone affected by lung cancer, often at the scariest and most anxious times of their lives.
Listening to patient voices
In his interview Nick Whitehead shared how the Foundation was there for him and his wife after his diagnosis in 2017.
Nick Whitehead said: “Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation gives you hope when, at diagnosis, you can’t see a way out.”But Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation has been there for other patients. They’ve been there for patients at different stages and they’ve seen people survive.”
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “It was a privilege to honour Roy and reflect on the progress made.”
“But the best way to honour him is to keep going and stay as dedicated as he was to changing things for future generations. If you’ve been touched or inspired by what you’ve seen today, please donate and help us keep Roy’s legacy alive.”