The study's unique feature is that it includes interviews with former prisoners, custodial staff, and healthcare providers. This allows them to understand and identify barriers to providing high-quality care and support for those in custody. Researchers also collected data about the types, stages, and number of cancers found in prisoners.The researchers hope that the findings of this study will inform prison cancer care policies and help to identify priorities for improvement within the prison system. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), which is the research partner for the NHS, social care and public health, funded the research.Jo Armes, Reader for Cancer Care and Lead in Digital Health at University of Surrey, led interviews with patients and professionals. She stated that prisoners have the right to the same standard of care as those in the community. The current reporting system makes it difficult to know if this is true."Not only are prison populations increasing, but so is the population of older people, which has implications for the increased risk of developing cancer. It is important to have appropriate strategies in place in order for those in custody to be diagnosed early and receive care quickly. This will ensure efficient and effective use of NHS resources.Professor Jo Rycroft Malone, Director of NIHR's Health Services and Delivery Research Programme said that the study was an important area of research and the first to examine cancer care in English prisons. This included the types and stages, as well as the treatment options for prisoners."Patient and public involvement is a key feature of this research - one NIHR's core values - former prisoners are involved in research design and work as 'lived-experience researchers' interviewing professionals and patients."This study is intended to fill in the gaps in evidence in this area. Its findings may help improve quality, accessibility, and organisation of services for patients, as well as clinicians and prison professionals."Pavan Dhaliwal is the Chief Executive of Revolving Doors Agency. He stated that people who have had contact with the criminal justice systems often suffer from significant health inequalities, such as a higher level of disease burden and less access to healthcare services. This population's health needs can be addressed to reduce inequalities throughout society."We are happy to offer the lived-experience perspective to this important work. People with lived experience can bring new perspectives and help transform healthcare services in prison.The paper will include additional results from the main study. These will be published later this year.###
