Cancer SMART (severe mental illness access and rapid treatment)
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Cancer SMART aims to improve cancer outcomes for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) by addressing delays in diagnosis and barriers to care.
Aligned with the NHS Long Term Plan and the 2025 NHS 10-Year Health Plan, the 18-month initiative integrates mental and physical healthcare through a multidisciplinary, data-driven approach.
By leveraging linked datasets, peer support, and patient co-production, the project seeks to deliver faster diagnoses, enhance engagement, and improve quality of life—contributing to scalable, equitable cancer care across the NHS.
Inclusion Criteria
- Patients with an established diagnosis of Severe Mental Illness. This includes Psychosis including Schizophrenia, Bipolar Affective Disorder and Schizoaffective Disorder accessing the cancer pathway at St Georges Hospital.
- Patient is aged 18 and above.
- Receiving cancer care or diagnostics at St George’s hospital.
- Known challenges/barriers with attending or engaging in healthcare appointments due to mental health symptoms with an SMI.
- Patients who have started their cancer pathway elsewhere and their care is transferred to St Georges Hospital.
Red Flags – Indicators of Possible Engagement Barriers
Patients with an SMI and engagement barriers are appropriate for Cancer SMART. Engagement barriers alone will not be considered and should be signposted to relevant support services based on their care needs. Staff should be alert to the following signs:
- Medication/ Noncompliance
- Neglect/ poor self-care
- Missed or cancelled appointments without follow-up
- History of leaving emergency department before treatment
- Confused or contradictory explanations about illness or treatment
- Overt distress, avoidance, or extreme anxiety when discussing investigations
- History of SMI, learning disability, dementia, or known cognitive impairment
- Carers/family raise concerns about understanding or engagement
- Communication difficulties not solely due to language
- Chaotic lifestyle including homelessness, drug and alcohol difficulties
How to Refer
Email: CancerSMART@stgeorges.nhs.uk
What to Include
- Patients details including NHS number
- Established SMI Diagnosis
- Cancer Diagnosis or concerns
- The team/clinic they have been referred to
- Engagement Barriers that impact their ability to engage