Cancerbackup medical editor

Dr Terry Priestman
Consultant Medical Oncologist

Cancer information

Cancerbackup's policy is to provide up-to-date and accurate information on cancer, cancer treatments, and issues about living with cancer. Our information is in line with accepted national and international guidelines and the results of systematic reviews. Where no such guidelines exist, our information is based on scientific evidence such as data from published clinical trials, or combined analyses of trials. Where such evidence is not available, our information is based on a consensus view of experts.

Each Cancerbackup publication is regularly reviewed and updated by cancer doctors, specialist nurses, other relevant health professionals and patients. The medical information is approved by a member of Cancerbackup's Clinical Advisory Board and the Medical Editor.

All Cancerbackup's booklets that describe treatments are produced to meet the criteria of the Discern Index, a nationally recognised measure of health information quality. Where trusts have used Cancerbackup's booklets in evidence to support their good practice, it has helped them to achieve compliance with the standards of the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts.

Over 70 booklets and 300 factsheets have been published. The Clinical Advisory Board and the Specialist Advisory Panel are responsible for ensuring that the publications are accurate and up to date. The booklets are also sent out for review by patients to ensure that the language and tone is appropriate.

Specific questions and answers published on the website as 'Cancer Qs' are also available.  

We aim to review our information 12-18 months. We always value feedback and any comments we receive are kept on file for consideration when the text is revised.

Cancerbackup is grateful to the many cancer specialists, cancer nurses, health professionals and patients who give their time and expertise to help create the Cancerbackup publications.