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'Thousands' Denied Life-Extending Cancer Tests

Thousands of cancer patients in England are missing out on targeted drugs because they are not being offered tests to identify genetic faults underpinning the cause of their cancer, according to a charity.

In a new report commissioned by Cancer Research UK, treatment plans of patients with skin, bowel and lung cancer were studied to establish how many were offered molecular testing with a view to determine those eligible for targeted treatment which could prolong their lives.

Based on figures obtained from the NHS's molecular diagnostic testing service, the report authors estimate that in 2014, hospitals in England failed to carry out 24,000 diagnostic tests.

For lung and bowel cancer patients alone, they say up to 16,000 eligible people were not offered these tests - of these, they estimate 3,500 patients missed out on personalised medicines that could positively change their course of treatment.

Emlyn Samuel, senior policy manager for Cancer Research UK, told Sky News: "For patients that have missed out on these types of tests, it means that not all of their treatment options have been explored."

He said the reason is because there is no dedicated funding on the NHS, and added: "It's really vital that the NHS and the government make sure that these tests are routinely available for those patients that are suitable."

The Government pledged to develop a national commissioning structure for the tests in its 2011 Cancer strategy - a measure recommended again by the Independent Cancer Task Force. But despite the commitment, it has yet to be delivered.

The Department of Health have robustly defended their record on cancer treatment.

They said: "Survival rates are at a record high despite the NHS treating more people for cancer than ever before.

“We have invested an extra £750m to improve treatment and increase early diagnosis in the last five years and through the £1bn Cancer Drugs Fund, we have already given 72,000 people access to the latest drugs.

"We want the NHS to be the best in the world for cancer survival and we are determined to make sure that in a world where people are living longer, patients continue to receive the very best care.

"We are currently looking at the cancer taskforce's recommendations and we will be responding in full later this year."

Today's report warns that at least £13m must be found to meet demand for testing and to keep up to date with emerging treatments.

Barry Murphy was diagnosed with bowel cancer but doctors were able to extend his life through a targeted plan after molecular testing identified specific treatment options. Three years on, he faces the once unlikely prospect of living to meet his first grandson.

But he told Sky News he is saddened that others are missing out.

"I'd like them to think of the impact it has on the families of the people who are not going to be treated in the same way I was and what a difference that makes to our lives."

He said: "There are clearly all sorts of demands on the money we’ve got, but we are talking about people who have contributed a lot through tax, and extending their lives by years or months."

The report also found that doctors have a poor awareness of targeted treatment and testing. In a stark warning to government, researchers say that if "action isn’t taken" England will fall behind other countries where testing is routine.