Cancer Coalition Urges Government to Adopt Six Key Tests for Improved Care
A coalition of cancer charities and patient advocacy groups is calling on the UK government to implement six specific measures aimed at establishing England as a global leader in cancer care. The push comes amid concerns about cancer waiting times and diagnosis rates, with a recent report highlighting that one in three individuals across the UK are overdue for cervical cancer screening.
The coalition’s six proposed “tests” for the government are:
- A commitment to meet all existing cancer waiting times by the end of the current parliamentary term in 2029.
- The establishment of a new target focused on earlier cancer diagnosis, coupled with improvements to existing cancer screening programs.
- The introduction of robust policies designed to prevent cancer.
- addressing disparities in cancer care access and outcomes for different patient groups.
- Enhanced access to clinical trials for cancer patients across the country.
- Improved support systems for individuals living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis.
Responding to the coalition’s demands, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care stated, “This government is prioritising cancer care as we turn around more than a decade of neglect of our NHS.”
The spokesperson further highlighted recent progress, noting that 95,000 more people received a cancer diagnosis or were ruled out within 28 days between July 2024 and May 2025, compared to the same period in the previous year. These improvements are expected to be further supported by a forthcoming national cancer plan, which will detail strategies for enhancing cancer care in the years ahead.
Initiatives already underway include the rollout of DIY screening kits for cervical cancer, the provision of new radiotherapy machines in every region of England, and efforts to create the first smoke-free generation.
