The Government has today published the National Cancer Plan, setting out a 10-year strategy to improve cancer outcomes in England through new targets and measures to accelerate diagnosis and treatment.
A headline ambition of the Plan is that, by 2035, 75 per cent of (three in four) cancer patients will be cured, or living well, five years after diagnosis.
Research to power progress against cancer
The Plan includes a renewed focus on research, highlighting that we are in the “foothills of an unprecedented revolution in science and technology” that will continue to develop our understanding of the prevention, earlier diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
The National Cancer Plan outlines six cancer research priorities, new approaches to speed up the adoption of innovation in the NHS, and a renewed push to harness the power of clinical trials while also ensuring equitable access for all patients to join them.
It follows a public consultation held last year, to which The Institute of Cancer Research, London, contributed. The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), which is both a specialist research institute and a charity, highlighted the critical importance of research in advancing our understanding of cancer and shaping effective policy across prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
Cancer research needs sustained investment
The ICR also emphasised the need for sustained long-term investment in cancer research to ensure continued progress against the disease. The ICR’s response reflected the need for a commitment to evidence-based policymaking and the requirement to ensure research remains central to the National Cancer Plan.
Commenting on the National Cancer Plan, Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:
"We strongly welcome the publication of the National Cancer Plan and the clear ambition that the Government has set out to reduce deaths from cancer across England and improve the quality of life of cancer patients. We're pleased to see that the importance of cancer research is being acknowledged as the key driver of improved diagnosis and treatment of all cancer types in the National Cancer Plan.
“Cancer research cannot succeed in isolation. It relies on a strong life sciences and higher education ecosystem, underpinned by world-class infrastructure, sustainable investment and access to the best skills and talent. If the UK is to deliver on the ambitions of the National Cancer Plan and retain its position as a global leader in cancer research, it is essential that this ecosystem is actively supported and strengthened. Without this, this plan will be significantly harder to deliver. We look forward to working with the Government to make their ambitions a reality."
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