National Cancer Plan for England

Cancer52 are excited to see the release of the National Cancer Plan for England. In a breakthrough moment, the Government has made a clear commitment to focus specifically on rare and less common cancers within a national cancer strategy.

A full chapter of the plan is dedicated to these cancers, which is an important step forward that recognises their unique challenges. Their prominence in the plan is a credit to the tireless efforts of our cancer charity members and the wider rare and less common cancer community.

This plan has the potential to address longstanding inequalities faced by people affected by rare cancers. These include lower survival rates, poorer diagnosis, less awareness of symptoms, limited data, and fewer treatment options.

We are particularly encouraged that the plan reflects several of Cancer52’s key policy asks, including:

• Tackling late and emergency diagnosis, as well as increasing early stage diagnosis

• Increasing focus and investment in research

• Strengthening national leadership to monitor progress against clear survival targets

• Taking a proactive and targeted approach to addressing health inequalities
  

The Plan outlines 13 commitments directly related to rare and less common cancers, with many of the additional 70+ commitments also inclusive of these cancers. In addition, we welcome the dedicated section for Children and Young People, which includes a number of positive actions building on the work of the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce.

The appointment of a National Lead for Rare Cancers within DHSC and a Specialty Lead for Rare Cancers within NIHR represents a major and much‑needed progression. We look forward to collaborating closely with these leaders and other key stakeholders across the system to ensure the plan delivers meaningful improvements for people affected by rare and less common cancers now and in the future.

Read plan: National Cancer Plan for England - GOV.UK