A new national strategy from the UK Government has set out a long-term vision to transform cancer care across England, with a clear focus on improving outcomes, reducing inequalities and strengthening the cancer pathway from prevention through to treatment and recovery.
The National Cancer Plan for England outlines ambitions to significantly improve survival rates, including a target that by 2035, three in four people diagnosed with cancer will survive for at least five years.
The plan highlights ongoing challenges across the system, including delays in diagnosis and treatment, variation in outcomes, and inequalities in access to care. It emphasises the need for a more consistent and coordinated approach to delivering high-quality cancer services.
Key priorities identified
The strategy sets out a number of priorities for improving cancer care:
- Improving cancer outcomes and survival rates across all tumour types
- Increasing early diagnosis and reducing late-stage presentation
- Restoring performance against cancer waiting time standards
- Reducing inequalities linked to deprivation, geography and ethnicity
- Improving patient experience and quality of life during and after treatment
- Expanding the use of data, diagnostics and innovation to support care
Earlier diagnosis and faster access to care
A central focus of the plan is improving early diagnosis, recognising that outcomes are significantly better when cancer is detected at an earlier stage. The strategy outlines the need to expand access to diagnostics, increase screening uptake, and ensure faster referral and treatment pathways.
Addressing inequalities in outcomes
The plan also highlights persistent inequalities in cancer outcomes, particularly for people living in deprived areas and some ethnic minority groups. It calls for targeted action to improve access, engagement and culturally appropriate care.
Living with and beyond cancer
Alongside diagnosis and treatment, there is increased emphasis on supporting people to live well with and beyond cancer. This includes improving personalised care, recovery pathways, and long-term support for patients and families.
A system-wide approach
The strategy recognises that improving outcomes will require coordinated action across the entire system, including workforce development, better use of data, and stronger integration between services.
The plan calls for sustained investment and system-wide reform to ensure services can meet growing demand and deliver consistent, high-quality care.
Find out more here
To explore solutions in practice, attend our upcoming Delivering Personalised Cancer Plans & Improving Outcomes for People Living With and Beyond Cancer CPD conference which is taking place virtually on Tuesday 23rd June 2026.
Find out more and book your place: https://www.healthcareconferencesuk.co.uk/virtual-online-courses/Delivering-Personalised-Cancer-Plans