Alice Hilborn

Health Policy Adviser at Cancer Research UK (@CRUK_Policy) investigating all things workforce and early diagnosis. Ex @RedCrossPolicy

All views my own.

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

So great to see this out in the world. Genomics has real potential to drive a paradigm shift in our approach to detecting, treating and even preventing cancer.

Congrats to @EEagles_ for a fascinating and engaging explainer article to accompany the report publication!

[Cancer Research UK Policy @CRUK_Policy]

Genomics is central to building our understanding of cancer. UK govts & health systems have recognised its potential to transform cancer research & care

Here we lay out our ambitions for the future of genomics in the UK & our recs for how to attain them⬇️
https://t.co/eGukou8NJH

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

As a fellow cancer survivor, I'm so grateful to the NHS - but getting a diagnosis wasn't straightforward. For many the diagnosis comes too late.

@CRUK_Policy see a national strategy as essential in shifting the dial, and it's encouraging to see @wesstreeting reference this.

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

Tickets are now on sale for the Scottish Cancer Conference with this year's event focusing on "unlocking the power of health innovation". Follow @ScotCancerConf for all the latest! https://t.co/Zd3nlRwyke

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

Long term reform is needed to ensure a sustainable, well paid and respected social care workforce. But such a drastic change to visa rules resulting in a rapid decline in intn. recruitment will have immediate consequences for current UK care workers, patients and the NHS.

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

Changes to immigration rules for social care workers has led to an 81% decrease in visa applications between April and July 2024 compared to the same 4 months in 2023.

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

The NHS does not work in isolation it relies on a fully functioning, well resourced and properly staffed social care sector to ensure people get the care and support they need in the community rather than feeling like they have nowhere else to turn but hospitals.

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

Want to work towards a brighter future for everyone affected by cancer, whilst also being at the cutting edge of health policy? Apply for this role in our team!
https://t.co/ESOkepEjpA

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

Through political focus and greater public awareness, alongside nnovations like self-sampling we can increase uptake of HPV vaccination and screening.

A world where almost no one develops cervical cancer is in reach!

[Cancer Research UK Policy @CRUK_Policy]

New research from @petersasieni shows cervical screening self-sampling could help to address some barriers people face in accessing this potentially life-saving test.

We look forward to continuing to work with @wesstreeting on driving toward @NHSEngland's pledge to eliminate #CervicalCancer by 2040 - through targeted action, we can see a world where we reduce cervical cancer to the point where almost no one develops it.

https://t.co/R7o8phFa52

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

On the anniversary of the publication of the NHS England Long Term Workforce Plan, we take stock and suggest ways the next UK Government can ensure the plan delivers the investment and improvement cancer services up and down the country need to deliver the best care.

[Cancer Research UK Policy @CRUK_Policy]

The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan was published a year ago today - a landmark moment for taking a more strategic approach to staffing the NHS in England.

The next UK Government can make the plan work for cancer by:

#TurningPointForCancer

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

Great few days at #CRUKEDConference24 connecting with colleagues and learning about everything from liquid biopsies to improving help seeking behaviours.

Looking forward to investigating how policy changes can help drive some of these exciting innovations into action!

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

Jo's Trust have been at the forefront of so many positive changes in policy for cervical cancer, from supporting HPV vaccination rollout to championing the recent NHSE cervical cancer elimination pledge. They will be missed by everyone in the cancer space.

[Cancer Research UK Policy @CRUK_Policy]

Today @Keir_Starmer pledged to cut NHS waiting times as part of @labour's steps for change.

Cutting waiting lists and ensuring all cancer waiting times targets are met is essential - but this will only be possible with robust diagnostic services.

We set out how the UK Government can get diagnostics back on track to reduce waiting times and deliver for cancer patients: https://t.co/QtgbTQWC2k

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

Wise words from @julianhartley1 on the importance of capital investment, and why the UK Government must prioritise this if we are to see productivity gains.

Themes @CRUK_Policy also explore in our most recent policy statement on diagnostics: https://t.co/qdnRHxzslq

[BBC Radio 4 Today @BBCr4today]

'The NHS needs real investment in its infrastructure'.

Sir Julian Hartley, Chief Executive of NHS Providers, tells @EmmaBarnett he is worried about delays to the official plan to build 40 new hospitals in England by 2030 #R4Today

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

Digital skills will be essential for a future-proof cancer service that takes full advantage of genomics & AI.

It's encouraging to see this recognised by the Phillips Ives Review but concerning that this vital report looks set to languish unpublished.

[Health Service Journal @HSJnews]

Leaked NHSE review warns of ‘severe’ lack of nurses with digital skills https://t.co/VSGxV1TLNu

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

Diagnostics is essential for almost every person who interacts with the health service, but there are significant challenges to making diagnostics as efficient, effective and accessible as it needs to be.

[Cancer Research UK Policy @CRUK_Policy]

Getting the right tests to patients in the place, at the right time is crucial. But too many people are waiting too long to be diagnosed with cancer.

We set out 5 steps to get #Diagnostics in England back on track: https://t.co/zxqektiAGO

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

Great reflections from @buckinghamh on her time at the Nuffield Trust on the UK health policy landscape ⬇️

[Helen Buckingham @buckinghamh]

It is possible for 2 things to be true at the same time. There can be more money than ever before, & still not enough. Few changes actually save money - generally the best you can hope for is a saving against a counterfactual of higher spending. https://t.co/YGN61v7lXB (2/10)

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

"Let's just knock their heads together & do it" - inspired by the powerful words of Deborah's father this morning.

Early diagnosis saves lives, but it needs strong political will. That's why every party must commit to making cancer a priority at the next General Election

[Cancer Research UK @CR_UK]

Ahead of the next general election, Dame Deborah James’ father Alistair and the rest of her family have written to political party leaders urging them to back Cancer Research UK’s #CancerManifesto, by committing to a long-term cancer strategy for England, with early diagnosis at its heart 👇

https://t.co/v8o26TaWv4

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

This is a monumental moment for public health.

For too long smoking has caused too many families to lose relatives too young. My grandma being one of them.

But change is coming.

https://t.co/tH0pvO1PPq

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

Great to be with some of the most influential people in the European cancer space at the launch of the @EuropeanCancer Cancer Workforce Fund last night. The workforce crisis requires new and innovative ways of thinking, looking across country borders to find the best solutions.

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

Endoscopy is vital to GI cancer diagnosis - that's why we need specific workforce planning that takes into account the needs of this specialist workforce, alongside strategic capital investment to increase the number of endoscopy suites. 4/4

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

Whilst the introduction and optimisation of FIT has meant more people have the chance to have their cancer detected earlier, the latest #BowelCancer Screening Report paints a concerning picture of diagnostic capacity to support timely diagnosis 1/4
https://t.co/8vQpJCvjA1

[Alice Hilborn @A_Hilborn]

Issues in onward diagnostics speaks to wider capacity issues in the NHS. Without the staff to perform endoscopies or the equipment to conduct tests we will not be able to diagnose patients in a timely way. 3/4