Prof Margaret Ikpoh speaks to ecancer about a talk she presented at London Global Cancer Week 2025 on 'The role of primary care in addressing disparities' which was particularly in regards to how early detection and screening can be improved.

She explains that 90% of first patient contact with healthcare in the UK is with general practice - despite this area receiving only 10% of the funding.

Prof Ikpoh highlights this under-funding as a major challenge to deliver adequate patient care in an ever ageing patient population, with many workers choosing to leave the sector due to burnout from the strain on the system.

She highlights the work of social prescribers who are trained to be able to liaise with the community over a longer time frame than a GP would be able to offer, helping those with complex needs or language barriers.