Scottish Cancer Network
The Scottish Cancer Network (SCN) is a dedicated national resource to support and facilitate a ‘Once for Scotland’ approach to cancer services. The main objectives are to:
- Develop and operate a system for the production, review, and hosting of National Clinical Management Pathways.
- Oversee and drive improvement of existing National Managed Clinical Networks and adopt similar national network approaches for other areas that may benefit.
- Deliver other collaborative projects as agreed.
Clinical Management Pathways
Whilst there are existing regional, national, and international guidelines in use there were challenges in keeping some local guideline versions up to date and some differences between different areas in Scotland as to how treatments were offered. Consultation with health-care professionals confirmed it would be helpful to get consensus from teams across Scotland on which treatment options might be considered at points across the patient pathway from diagnosis right through to survivorship or end of life care.
Three tumour sites formed the basis for the initial pilot: breast cancer, lung cancer and adult brain tumours. For each we have drafted guidance – Clinical Management Pathways (CMPs) – for health care professionals to cover the range of treatment options. The CMPs were published on the Right Decision Service platform in September 2023 accessible to staff across Scotland- the pathways are currently password protected, to request access please complete the linked form.
The initial two-year programme has been approved for sustained funding and in the coming year CMPs for head and neck cancer and prostate cancer will be developed while continuing to update the existing three.
A site designed for patients, their carers and family members has also been developed. This site provides signposting links in the form of useful resources, links aligned to the patient pathway from diagnosis through to supportive care, and cancer specific information taking the form of distilled CMP content.
National Managed Clinical Networks
The SCN hosts five National Managed Clinical Networks (NMCNs) for rare tumour types, links to which are provided a bit further down this page.
These networks were established as a means of delivering equitable, high-quality, clinical care. Each managed network has a clinical lead and a manager. Patients, carers, charities, universities, local authorities, external companies, and all relevant clinical specialities are also represented.
Each network has a Steering Group which reviews progress against agreed objectives, as defined in an annual work plan. Progress is also reported to the SCN Portfolio Management Team and SCN Steering Group as appropriate.
Follow the links below to learn more about each network. Each link will take you to an external website.
Scottish Adult Neuro-Oncology Network (SANON)
Scottish HepatoPancreatoBiliary Network (SHPBN)
Scottish Sarcoma Network (Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma) (SSN)
Scottish Thyroid Cancer Network – Scottish Thyroid Cancer Network (STCN)
Scottish Mesothelioma Network – Scottish Mesothelioma Network (nhs.scot) (SMN)