Home > Your Network > About the Network > Network Projects > FACTS

FACTS

FACTS

Fast Access to Cancer Treatment Support

It is recognised that the incidence of cancer is increasing as people live longer. The importance of developing services to improve the patient’s experience of care, both during and after treatment, has been well documented (Cancer Reform strategy, 2007, NCAG report 2009).    The FACTS campaign was launched in September 2010 and has been co-ordinated as a network wide project across the Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Network (LSCCN).  

The acronym FACTS stands for “Fast Access to Cancer Treatment Support” which is epitomised in the core theme: to act quickly and if in doubt check the facts. The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness of conditions that can occur that require prompt, appropriate action whilst also providing guidance and information to support health professionals and patients to make appropriate decisions.

The FACTS campaign has been split in to a number of phases: -

Phase 1 FACTS

This is aimed at all health professionals who may be in contact with cancer patients, a series of information sheets, a DVD and a website has been created at: www.factsoncancertreatment.org.uk

Topics covered:                               

Treatment related complications

  • Chemotherapy toxicities: 
  • Neutropenic sepsis:         
  • Central line management:           
  • Spinal cord compression:
  • Palliative treatments:       

Disease related complications

  • Spinal cord compression:
  • Palliative treatments:       

The above information is also an eLearning package which can be accessed by clicking here.

Phase 2 FACTS

This is aimed at patients and their carers or relatives. There is a patient folder, a FACTS Card, a prompt sheet and a Pre-chemotherapy DVD giving patients advice on what to do should they display any signs or symptoms. 

Click here to access the Pre-Chemotherapy Patient Information DVD.

Any future updates for FACTS will also be posted on the website www.factsoncancertreatment.org.uk.

If you want any further information or would like to suggest any FACTS topics for the future please contact Caroline Waddington, Service Development Manager, 01772 647044 or email caroline.waddington@lsccn.nhs.uk .