Our ultimate ambition is to find a cure for this cruel disease and in order to help us get there we are embarking on a new direction of travel from 2017 to 2022. The Biggest Ever Commitment To Primary Bone Cancer outlines this new journey and provides our charity with a clear framework that will help us save lives and come closer to a cure during this period.
You can download a printable version of our 2017 - 2022 strategy here. Our 2022 - 2032 strategy, More Patients Surviving. More Patients Thriving. is available now here.
Our commitment to reviewing progress
Our strategic objectives will form the foundation of our plans for each year until 2022. We will update and inform on our progress made against each objective through our Annual Report and Accounts and other regular supporter communications.
Our objectives
Research is key to saving lives and ultimately, one day curing primary bone cancer. To date researchers have not had the necessary funding and career pathways in place to enable research or for specialism in the field of primary bone cancer. It is crucial that we support research now whilst also engaging and encouraging the next generation of researchers in this field.
Making it happen
- We will commit over £2.8million to pioneering research through an innovative new grant programme
- We will support research at all levels, from initial idea through to clinical trial
- We will deliver the next generation of world class, primary bone cancer researchers
- We will support UK surgical centred to enable all primary bone cancer patients to contribute tissue samples for use in research
Until 2016, information was not available for patients facing a number of forms of primary bone cancer. The Bone Cancer Research Trust is the only organisation to have developed freely available information for all forms of primary bone cancer and primary bone tumour. Despite this information now being available it is imperative that it reaches patients when they need it and that it is suitable for patients of all ages. It is also vital that equivalent information is available for the wider primary bone cancer community to improve patient care and experience.
Making it happen
- We will develop a Patient / Parent Pack to offer comprehensive information to all patients on their specific primary bone cancer or tumour type
- We will expand our existing portfolio of information for patients of all ages
- We will expand our basic information to ensure patients in other countries have access to relevant information
- We will ensure that information is available for the clinical and medical community
- We will develop information for carers and families of patients with primary bone cancer
- We will accurately signpost relevant information that falls outside our remit
Awareness is key to saving lives. Currently too many patients are receiving late diagnoses - worsening their outcome and chances of survival. Early detection and diagnosis is key, however, currently the tools are not readily available for all who may spot the ‘red flag’ symptoms of the disease.
Making it happen
- We will ensure all GPs in the UK have access to the training and tools they need to identify and diagnose primary bone cancer
- We will develop tools to allow radiographers, physiotherapists and other medical professionals to identify the symptoms of primary bone cancer
- We will continue to fund and develop training options for medical students in the field of primary bone cancer
- We will increase national and where possible, international public awareness of primary bone cancer and the Bone Cancer Research Trust
It is essential that support is available for patients and their families prior to, during and after treatment. Primary bone cancer patients are often left with long-term emotional difficulties, including low self-esteem, anxiety about the cancer returning and social and psychological impairments.
Making it happen
- We will provide a listening ear service that allow current patients or family members to talk with someone that has been through a similar experience
- We will develop digital 'community' support groups
- We will deliver an annual conference aimed at uniting and supporting our community
- We will actively promote the sharing of patient stories and experiences
- We will ensure robust signposting to other support groups and charities where we cannot provide assistance