Turning point for cancer
From “Hear, hear" to “All clear”
It's time for a turning point for cancer.
Cancer cases are increasing. Too many patients are facing unacceptable, often unequal, waits to receive a diagnosis, or start treatment. We’re calling on the UK Government to ensure the National Cancer Plan for England is bold enough to meet the scale of the challenge that faces us.
The five pledges
We’re calling for the new UK Government to commit to our manifesto’s five pledges which could help to prevent 20,000 cancer deaths every year by 2040.
Back research
Set out a plan to close the more than £1bn funding gap for research into cancer over the next decade. Life-saving research must be a political priority.
End cancers caused by smoking
Raise the age of sale of tobacco and fund a world-leading programme of measures to help people who smoke to quit.
Drive earlier diagnoses
Implement proven measures, including a lung screening programme, to diagnose cancers early and reduce inequalities in access.
End the waits
Ensure cancer wait time targets are met across England. An earlier diagnosis and timely access to tests, screening and treatment gives people with cancer the best chance of survival.
Lead on Cancer
Publish a long-term cancer strategy for England and Establish a National Cancer Council, accountable to the Prime Minister, to drive cross-government action on cancer.
This general election, thousands of us united to demand a turning point for cancer.
A long-term strategy for cancer was one of our key calls during the election and in February the UK Government formally committed to the development of one – the National Cancer Plan for England.
This is a major win for our campaign. But we’re not done yet.
The UK Government launched a call for evidence to gather your views and ideas to help shape the National Cancer Plan. Over 1,000 campaigners used our guide to help them participate, and played their part in helping to make the plan the turning point for cancer that is so needed.
The government’s call for evidence is now closed, but you can still help us campaign by signing our open letter.
IN THE PRESS : Cancer News
34,000 cancer deaths could be prevented if we make this election a turning point for cancer
Our analysis, published during the general election, showed that the UK could avoid 34,000 cancer deaths within a decade of 4 July 2024 if the new government takes urgent action to improve cancer outcomes. Avoiding these cancer deaths relies on the UK Government rolling out a long-term, fully funded cancer strategy in England, including policies to back research and better prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. .
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That Cancer Conversation podcast – Longer, better lives: Ep.2
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Michelle Mitchell, our chief executive, explains how the new UK Government can tackle cancer and help more people live longer, better lives. There’s no quick fix for improving cancer survival, but by prioritising and utilising resources in the right areas, we can rapidly accelerate progress.
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