Abstract

In the UK and many other developed countries, cancer policy is being required to address several common issues; achieving earlier diagnosis of symptomatic cancer, the scale of challenge presented by survivorship and a need for efficient but safe models of care delivery. For all these, the contribution of primary care is a key consideration. A Lancet Oncology Commission (to be published in October 2015) will summarise the evidence and current thinking about the role of primary care at all stages in the cancer pathway, It is intended to stimulate debate about future configuration of services for cancer control, both for optimal patient outcomes and for effective health care delivery.