National Cancer Plan for England

Updated 4th February 2026

The Government has announced a new National Cancer Plan for England on World Cancer Day. In this blog about the National Cancer Plan, we explain what it is, how Macmillan helped shape it, and why it is important for people living with cancer.

There are almost 3.5 million people living with cancer in the UK. That number is rising, and for many the experience of cancer is getting worse. Significant differences when it comes to people’s experiences of diagnosis, treatment and care are causing an unacceptable cancer care gap across many areas.  
 
Better is possible for people with cancer across the UK, but only if we approach cancer care differently. It’s time for us, together with others, to work with those who have the worst experience of cancer to find solutions that suit them and their lives.  
 
We’re working closely with communities across England at dedicated engagement events to deliver meaningful opportunities to influence change. They’ll be able to share their experiences and views as well as advocating for improvements that feel important and meaningful to them.  
 
We want the plan – due to be released later this year – to offer a vision for a better system that goes beyond clinical treatment and focuses on their full range of needs. This will give them greater control over their health and wellbeing. 
 
We also need to make sure that advances in personalised medicine are delivered equitably, so everyone with cancer can benefit from them. This includes bringing cancer treatment and care closer to where people live, while ensuring this does not restrict choice and access to specialist services, or worsen inequities.