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Cancer Survival Boost: 320,000 More Lives Saved
4 Feb
Summary
- Goal: 75% of patients to live well five years post-diagnosis by 2035.
- Plan includes £2.3 billion investment in tests and scanners.
- NHS aims to meet all cancer waiting time targets by 2029.
The UK has unveiled a comprehensive 10-year national cancer plan, setting ambitious goals to enhance patient survival and treatment outcomes. A key objective is to increase the five-year survival rate to 75% for patients diagnosed from 2035, a significant rise from the current 60%, potentially saving an additional 320,000 lives over the plan's duration.
To achieve these aims, the NHS has committed to meeting all its cancer waiting time targets by 2029. This includes faster diagnostic tests and an expansion of robot-assisted surgery. A £2.3 billion investment will fund 9.5 million additional tests by 2029, increasing scanner capacity and digital technology.
Furthermore, the plan targets 80% of patients to be diagnosed or have cancer ruled out within 28 days of referral by March 2026, and 96% to commence treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat. Specialist cancer centres will also play a larger role in treating rare cancers, with genomic testing offered to eligible patients.
