Need faster, more personalised cancer care? Here’s how private oncology can help

Fast appointments, trusted care, personalised support from one of London’s leading cancer specialists

Dr James Wilson, Private Oncology Consultant

Dr James Wilson is an experienced consultant clinical oncologist who is committed to helping you understand your diagnosis, empowering you to make positive decisions about your care and getting you the treatment you urgently need without any delay. Cancer doesn’t wait and nor should you!

After experiencing a cancer diagnosis in his own family, he understands how frustrating it can be when the systems in place just don’t work:

• Appointments delayed

• Phone calls unanswered

• Treatments unavailable

• Options that are never mentioned

• Long gaps getting to treatment when time is of the essence

In cancer care, speed and access makes all the difference. His promise to himself and his patients is that nobody under his care will experience the setbacks and blocks experienced by many receiving treatment in an overwhelmed system.

What are the benefits of private oncology?

Is private cancer treatment better?

Better cancer treatment is treatment that meets your unique needs to get the best results for you. For some people it’s about accessing a treatment that isn’t available on the NHS. For others, it’s about having the flexibility to have treatment at a time and location that fits around their life. Some people value the knowledge that leading cancer experts have taken time to consider all the options that are available, applying international best practice, and not just limiting treatment recommendations to what is available locally.

Dr Wilson’s philosophy is that better cancer treatment stops cancer patients being labelled as, or feeling like ‘patients’. People with cancer need to get the care that keeps them living life to the full while still getting the best treatment outcome for them. Treatment, whether that’s radiotherapy treatment, cancer surgery, targeted therapy or chemotherapy should dovetail with your real life and commitments as much as possible. Supporting you in living your life the way you want to live it requires personal attention, rapid responses to your symptoms and consistent care from people who know you and your loved ones.

Is private cancer treatment better than NHS?

The NHS offers excellent care, following treatment guidelines and the best evidence from clinical trials.

It can’t be denied that the system is struggling. NHS cancer services are facing unprecedented demand. An advantage of private cancer treatment is the availability of diagnostic tests and access to scans at a time to suit you when monitoring your response to treatment. Scan results are typically made available to Dr Wilson the same or next day allowing real-time changes to your treatment plan if needed, and no delays in your clinic appointments because of missing results. All results will be made available to you as soon as they are received - after all, it’s your information!

Because of the way that the NHS decides whether a new treatment option should be introduced into the clinic, there can be a delay in evidenced-based treatments becoming available to patients. This isn’t the case in private oncology clinics. As soon as high quality clinical trials have shown the benefits of a treatment, we can make it available to the people who need it.

Is it better to go private for cancer treatment?

Private cancer care isn’t about replacing the NHS, it’s about offering options. Many patients choose a private oncologist when:

• They want quicker access to diagnostic tests including scans or treatment

• They're feeling overwhelmed by the pace or uncertainty of NHS care

• They prefer a more personalised relationship with one person, particularly when making key decisions

For some, the reassurance of having more time with their consultant and direct access to their team between appointments makes all the difference.

Can I still be seen in the NHS if I’ve had private cancer treatment? Can I switch between private and NHS treatment?

All UK residents are eligible for NHS care irrespective of whether you’ve had some, or all of your care in a private hospital. Everybody in Dr Wilson’s oncology clinic uses NHS and private services differently. Some people rarely, if ever, see an NHS doctor, others dip into the private sector to receive a treatment that is not yet available in the NHS (e.g stereotactic radiotherapy for oligoprogressive disease) before returning to the NHS to continue their treatment (e.g. chemotherapy) there.

You’re in charge of your treatment and you should do whatever is needed to get the care and treatment that is best for you. When you see Dr Wilson, he will share all treatment records, test results and letters with you and anybody else that you ask him to share them with - including your NHS team if requested. This allows the seamless coordination of care.

You can choose to have part of their treatment privately, for example, a second opinion, a faster scan, or access to a newer therapy, and then return to NHS care. Dr Wilson works with you to ensure your records are shared so care remains joined-up.

What is care like at a private oncology clinic?

Dr Wilson’s private oncology clinic draws on cancer experts from all fields - radiation oncology, medical oncology, surgical oncology - to offer all-encompassing treatments options.

A benefit of private oncology care is that you’ll see your consultant clinical oncologist at every appointment. Your care is never delegated to a member of the wider team.

People receiving cancer care at a private clinic say that they find the environment quieter and less stressful. There’s more space and the setting feels more restful and conducive to recovery.

At Dr James Wilson’s London clinic, there is also access to supportive therapies such as tailored exercises programs, massage, reflexology and talking therapy.

Fast appointments, trusted care, personalised support from one of London’s leading cancer specialists

What kinds of people access private oncology treatment?

Patients often choose private cancer care when they want:

• A second opinion without delay

• Immediate access to chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy

• Flexibility to coordinate appointments around personal or professional commitments

• The continuity of seeing the same consultant throughout their treatment

• Access to state-of-the-art treatments such as Proton Beam Therapy for lung cancer or treatment on the MR-linac

• Treatment that i is not yet available on the NHS

• Ease of access for support and answers to their questions

“James is warm and genuine. He treats me like a person rather than just a patient... I feel blessed that he has been my most consistent point of contact.”
- Doctify review

“Dr Wilson is an excellent clinician — above and beyond in his explanations of issues. Kind and compassionate.”
- Doctify review

What treatments does Dr Wilson offer private patients?

Some of the people who come to see Dr Wilson tend to find him because they’ve reached a blockage in the system they are currently in. Either things aren’t happening quickly enough, or treatments just aren’t available.

Patients and their families contact us for an appointment with Dr Wilson because they’ve read about the benefits of proton beam therapy for lung cancer, or the pinpoint accuracy of radiotherapy on the MR-linac. Those with Stage 4 cancer, of any type) want to wither defer treatment with chemotherapy or stay on a treatment that’s been working for longer by accessing state-of-the-art radiotherapy with Dr Wilson. Some have been told that there are no further options available to them and want to know if other avenues are available privately.

For people with lung cancer and skin cancer (including melanoma), Dr Wilson offers:

• Radiotherapy (radical radiotherapy aiming at cure and palliative radiotherapy for symptom control and to control the cancer from growing)

• Proton beam therapy for lung cancer

• The latest drug treatments including immunotherapy, targeted therapy and chemotherapy following international best practice guidelines and not just treatments that are funded on the NHS

Dr Wilson offers stereotactic radiotherapy with Cyberknife and the MR-linac for any cancer type when it has only spread to a small number of places or when it is widespread, but most of the disease is controlled with drug treatment. Cancers treated include, but is not limited to:

• Prostate cancer

• Breast cancer

• Bowel cancer/Colon cancer

• Lung cancer

• Head and neck cancer

• Pancreatic cancer

When using pinpoint accurate radiotherapy to treat metastatic disease, the following places in the body can be successfully treated:

• Lung

• Bone

• Liver

• Adrenal gland

• Spine

• Lymph nodes

“He explained all the available treatment options in a way that was easy to understand... Dr Wilson always made me feel that I was dealing with someone who’s at the very top of his game.”
- Doctify review

Here are some of the key reasons why private cancer care can be a compassionate and empowering choice…

Prompt access to care

Cancer is a deeply personal journey, and the care patients receive should reflect this. Private oncology care ensures patients receive the time, attention, and tailored support they deserve. One of the most significant advantages is the speed of access. In private care, there are no long waiting lists or delays in diagnostic testing and treatment. Early detection and swift action can make all the difference, and private care often eliminates the agonising waiting periods for results or treatment.

Another benefit is the ability to access the latest treatments and technologies. Private facilities frequently invest in cutting-edge equipment and therapies, ensuring patients have access to the most advanced care available. This level of innovation can offer hope and options where others might feel limited.

Utilising Harley Street expertise across the country

Harley Street has long been synonymous with excellence in private healthcare, and the cancer specialists here are among the best in the world. However, private care is no longer confined to London. Many Harley Street consultants, including Dr Wilson, are utilising the advancement in remote work offered and can now work with people across the UK, ensuring that patients nationwide can benefit from a high level of expertise, without the need to for frequent travel.

Whether you are in Manchester, Birmingham, or Edinburgh, you can access the same high-quality care that Harley Street is renowned for, making world-class oncology support more accessible than ever.

Dr Wilson is able to schedule investigations and scans close to where you are, and depending on where you are in the country may be able to offer you treatment close to home. Many cancer drug treatments, including chemotherapy, can now be given in your own home wherever you are in the UK if that is something you’d like. For short treatments like stereotactic radiotherapy, we can support you in coming to London for your treatment before returning home.

Putting patients in the driving seat

One of the most empowering aspects of private cancer care is the control it gives to patients. Private care allows you to choose your consultant, decide on the timing of your appointments, and even explore second opinions without the bureaucracy that can sometimes hinder progress. This sense of autonomy can be incredibly reassuring during a time when so much feels out of your hands. Having the freedom to make informed choices about your care is a fundamental part of the private healthcare experience.

Consistent consultant care

In private oncology care, every appointment is with a consultant, not another member of the team. This continuity of care builds trust, fosters a deeper understanding of your needs, and ensures that you are always speaking with an expert who knows your case intimately. Many patients tell me how much they value this personal connection. It’s not just about the clinical expertise; it’s about feeling seen, heard, and truly cared for by someone who is with you every step of the way.

Rapid access to treatment

The harsh reality of the NHS, is the institution’s struggle to fit the sheer number of cancer patients into a treatment plan quickly and efficiently. Treatment options, waiting times and access to specialist services are much quicker with a private oncologist.

As with all cancer treatment, the faster you access treatment, the better. Private oncology can get you started with the latest medical technologies as quickly as a week after you enter our clinic. Not only this, private oncology also gives you rapid access to any further investigations you may need.

A compassionate choice

Cancer is more than a medical condition; it is an emotional and psychological journey. Private care recognises this and provides a level of holistic support that extends beyond the physical. From shorter waiting times to personalised treatment plans, private oncology care gives you back some control at a time when so much can feel uncertain.

In my years of practice, I have learned that no two cancer journeys are the same. What remains constant, however, is the need for compassion, understanding, and choice. Private oncology care is not just about advanced treatments or luxurious facilities; it is about putting the patient at the heart of their care. For those navigating the uncertainties of cancer, this level of personalised support can make all the difference.

“Very professional and caring. He gave time and explained my husband’s condition very well. He is very knowledgeable in his field.”
- Verified Patient, Radiotherapy

Cancer treatment for international patients

People travel from all over the world to access the treatment and support that Dr Wilson can offer. He can offer a video consultation and review of the tests you’ve had to date before you make a decision about traveling to London for treatment under his care.

In partnership with private cancer centres, we offer a concierge service to make your travel and stay in London as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Private Cancer Treatment London

Dr James Wilson provides private cancer care in central London across multiple convenient locations:

• Cromwell Hospital, Kensington

• The London Clinic, Harley Street

• LOC Harley Street

• LOC Chelsea

• Video consultations in your own home

“Comfortable, safe and soooo reassuring... I have always felt confident and that I am in very safe hands.”
- Doctify review

Is private cancer treatment expensive? How much does private cancer treatment cost?

Private cancer care can often be covered in full or in part by private health insurance. Many patients are surprised at the availability of self-pay options and package pricing for treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Dr Wilson’s team will provide transparent cost information and help liaise with your insurer where needed. For many treatments, there is a price that covers the treatment and your review appointments. This will be shared with you once your treatment plan has been discussed with you - or sooner if you know the treatment that you need.

“The service I had from Dr Wilson was exemplary. Nothing was too much trouble... a credit to the profession.”
- Doctify review

Take the next step to rapid access cancer care

If you’re considering private cancer care, whether for yourself or a loved one, don’t wait until things feel urgent. Having a conversation early gives you clarity, reassurance, and options.

📞 Call today: 020 7993 7616
📩 Email: info@drjameswilson.co.uk
📝 Or use the contact form - you’ll hear back quickly.