UK first metastatic strategy transforms cancer care in Greater Manchester

A pioneering strategy is set to revolutionise care for thousands of people living with metastatic cancer in Greater Manchester, giving them the support and voice they’ve long deserved.

The new strategy – a UK and NHS first – sets out a bold vision to transform care for people living with metastatic disease, ensuring earlier diagnosis, joined-up care and the personalised support they need to live well for longer.

Jo Taylor was one of many people affected by metastatic cancer who supported the development of the strategy with the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance.

She realised firsthand after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2014 how metastatic support and data was lacking, so spearheaded the movement for a dedicated strategy for metastatic disease.

Jo sadly died just three weeks before the metastatic strategy launched, but her legacy lives on through it and the continued work to improve metastatic cancer care.

Claire O’Rourke, Managing Director at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: “We wouldn’t be here without Jo and her passion for improving the lives of those living with metastatic disease.

“This is a pivotal moment in cancer care and I’m so proud of what we, collectively, have achieved and hope to see more and more improvements in the months and years to come.”

Metastatic cancer occurs when cancer cells spread from the original site to other parts of the body and is generally more challenging to treat.

Paul King, 55 from Manchester, also shaped the strategy after being diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer following months of struggling to get answers for the pain he was experiencing. Scans revealed that prostate cancer had spread to his spine, lungs, adrenal gland and liver, and had caused spinal cord compression affecting his mobility.

He said: “I went from working full time and travelling the country to being on benefits overnight. The ‘terminal’ diagnosis is always on your mind and the side effects constantly remind you of it. What I needed most during my diagnosis was to feel like someone cared and was helping me make sense of what was happening.”

Paul’s experience has underlined the urgent need for earlier diagnosis, clear communication and better access to practical and emotional support.

The Greater Manchester Metastatic Cancer Strategy brings together hospitals, primary care and community organisations to ensure everyone affected by metastatic cancer receives seamless, compassionate and proactive care while reducing variation across the region.

Miss Clare Garnsey, Associate Medical Director and Clinical Lead for the Metastatic Strategy at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: “Metastatic cancer affects thousands of people across Greater Manchester, and too many tell us they feel lost in the system. This strategy is about changing that.

“We want people like Paul to be seen, heard and supported, not just medically, but as whole people with families, hopes and plans. We are determined that no one should ever feel abandoned or left to navigate this journey alone.

“Metastatic treatment often focuses on controlling the cancer and managing symptoms, rather than cure but with more effective treatment becoming available, the future of metastatic cancer is promising and people are now living with the disease, more comfortably, for longer and this strategy underpins everything we want to achieve.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham welcomed the strategy, describing it as a landmark moment for cancer care: “Greater Manchester is once again leading the way in showing what compassionate, joined-up healthcare should look like.

“Paul’s story is a powerful reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person who deserves better. This strategy is about making sure that everyone living with metastatic cancer – no matter who they are or where they live – gets timely diagnosis, clear communication, and the right support throughout.”

The strategy builds on Greater Manchester’s track record of innovation and collaboration.

For Paul, it’s about hope that his experience can make a difference. He said: “I can’t change what’s happened to me, but if this strategy helps even one person avoid what I went through, then it’s worth it.”