A UK Review of Systemic Anti-cancer Therapy Helplines: Getting it right first time for cancer patients.

Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) is a fundamental aspect of the cancer journey. Cancer helplines aim to provide timely access to expert advice for both patients and healthcare professionals. Around-the-clock access to specialist advice and triage is particularly critical for the growing number of patients receiving Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT). SACT helplines are not new.

The principles of 24/7 telephone access were first outlined in the NHS England Chemotherapy Service Specification (2013). However, over time, local service changes and priorities have led to significant variation in how these services are delivered. In 2023, the UK Acute Oncology Society (UKAOS) raised concerns about the absence of national operational standards for SACT helplines.

This prompted a two-year review, conducted in collaboration with the UK Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS) and the UK SACT Board (UKSB). The findings confirm widespread variation and highlight the urgent need for a more integrated approach between cancer care and the wider UEC system.

UKAOS is encouraging teams to review the document and consider their own service provision in light of the report findings and recomendations.