A National Cancer Plan for England
The Government has published its National Cancer Plan. We explore what the plan means for patients in Milton Keynes.
The Government's ambition is that 75% of people diagnosed with cancer in 2035 will survive at least five years, up from a projected 60% in 2022.
Major improvements in early diagnosis
- The government commits to:
- Expanding screening programmes, such as national lung screening by 2030.
- Future diagnostics using biomarkers or analysis of blood, saliva, breath, or urine to detect cancers before symptoms appear.
Fixing cancer waiting times
- The NHS has often missed key cancer treatment targets since 2014.
- By March 2029, the government commits to meeting all three national cancer waiting time standards:
- 80% get a diagnosis or all‑clear within 28 days of urgent referral.
- 85% start treatment within 62 days.
- 96% start treatment within 31 days of decision to treat.
More personalised, patient‑centred cancer care
- The plan emphasises designing cancer services around patients’ lives, not organisational boundaries.
- This includes better coordination, improved communication, and more support tailored to individuals’ needs and preferences.
Specific focus areas
- Children and young people’s cancers: greater emphasis on research, personalised treatment, and survival improvement.
- Rare and less common cancers: targeted plan to close survival gaps and improve access to clinical expertise.
What does this mean for patients?
Earlier and more accurate diagnosis
Patients should benefit from:
- Screening programmes that detect cancer earlier, improving treatment outcomes.
- AI tools that reduce delays in diagnosis and referrals.
- Future diagnostic tests (like blood‑based biomarkers) becoming normal, enabling detection before symptoms appear. This adds up to earlier treatment, less anxiety, and better survival chances.
Faster access to treatment
- The promise to meet all national waiting time standards by 2029 means shorter waits for tests and treatment, reducing disease progression and emotional stress.
- Diagnostic tests in Community Diagnostic Centres should make access more convenient.
More personalised, compassionate care
- The plan aims to ensure cancer pathways are built around how people actually live—meaning better communication, more tailored support, and smoother coordination across different services.
Better outcomes and survival
- With improved screening, faster diagnosis, and stronger research, patients can expect higher survival rates, more effective treatments, and better long‑term quality of life.
More support for rare, complex, and childhood cancers
- Patients in these groups should see:
- Better access to specialist expertise
- Faster diagnosis
- Expanded research and treatment options
Have you recently been diagnosed with cancer?
If you or a loved one have a recent experience of cancer treatment, you can share your story in our Have Your Say form.
What has worked well? Has the referral process for treatment been managed well? Do you think your cancer care could be improved in any way?
