Cancer services in England

Ensuring that as many patients as possible receive an early diagnosis, when cancer is more treatable is vital if we are to see greater improvement in cancer outcomes. The NHS Long Term Plan set a positive ambition to see 75% of cancers diagnosed at stages 1 or 2 by 2028, however, we are not on track to hit this.  Meanwhile, it is vital also that cancer patients have equitable access to high quality treatment, but we know that many cancer patients in England receive suboptimal treatment. 

We have seen some positive progress in recent years. This includes the commitment to introduce a national Targeted Lung Screening programme and the roll out of Community Diagnostic Centres. We know that NHS staff are so important for the treatment and care of cancer patients but are experiencing chronic staff shortages. That is why we welcomed the publication of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan in June 2023. The plan shows some promise in addressing these staff shortages, but we are concerned that it will not go far enough to address the scale of the challenge facing cancer services. 

As GP referrals for suspected cancer are at record highs, services are lacking the staffing and equipment they need. Meanwhile, due to a growing and ageing population, the challenge of cancer is also only expected to grow. In this context we are lacking a coordinated effort from Government to turn the tide on cancer. That is why Cancer Research have developed our Manifesto for Cancer Research and Care, which sets out actionable policy recommendations that have the potential to transform cancer outcomes for people across England.