A new National Cancer Plan for England

On World Cancer Day, the Government launched a new National Cancer Plan for England.

The plan is an important opportunity to improve cancer care and the lives of people affected by cancer over the next decade.

Macmillan is proud to have been an active partner in the development of the National Cancer Plan. In this blog, we answer the main questions people might have about what is in the plan and why it is important. 

The National Cancer Plan for England is a new strategy from the government that sets out what the next decade of cancer care and support will look like.

Key ambitions include: 

1. Becoming a global leader on cancer survival by 2035: with an ambition to ensure that three in four people diagnosed in 2035 will be cancer-free or living well with cancer after five years.  
   
2. Driving up quality of life for people living with cancer: by shifting more care into communities to ensure greater personalised support for people living with cancer throughout and beyond their treatment. 
   
3. Meeting the Cancer Waiting Time standards by the end of this Parliament: by expanding and improving diagnosis in the community; using digital technologies to support the creation of a Neighbourhood Health Service, bringing care closer to home; and a focus on innovation to speed up treatment decisions. 

We are also pleased to see commitments to tackle inequalities and variation in cancer care. The plan also includes commitments on research and innovation, and how the Government and NHS work with partners to improve cancer care.

The number of people living with cancer in the UK is at a record high. Someone is diagnosed with cancer at least every 75 seconds across the UK.

But cancer care is not fair for everyone. People can face difficulties getting the right care and support because of who they are or where they live.

The National Cancer Plan sets out the direction for cancer care in England over the next 10 years. Macmillan wants to make sure it leads to real improvements, so everyone can get the best possible care and support.

Macmillan has been actively involved in the development of the National Cancer Plan.

Throughout 2025, we created opportunities for government officials and ministers to hear directly from hundreds of people affected by cancer and grassroots organisations that support them. This helped make sure people's real-life experiences informed the plan.

We have also provided expert advice to the Government, with a focus on improving people's experiences of cancer care and addressing inequalities.

We are grateful to everyone who shared their experiences and helped shape this work. We will continue working with communities, partners, the Government and the NHS to help turn the plan's ambitions into meaningful change.

You can read more about why the National Cancer Plan must deliver for overlooked communities in this blog from Macmillan CEO, Gemma Peters.

We understand that hearing about cancer in the news can make some people feel worried. Find support and information if you are worried about cancer or if you have been diagnosed with cancer. 

If you would find it helpful to talk to someone, the Macmillan Support Line is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm. You can:

• Call us on 0808 808 00 00
• Chat to a specialist online.