On 18 October 2017, NHS England’s National Cancer Programme released a Progress Report (2016-17) that shows the NHS is on track to transform cancer services by 2020/21.

The report details the significant and rapid progress that has been made during the second year of a five year programme to implement the ambitious cancer strategy; developed to make significant progress in reducing preventable cancers, increasing cancer survival and improving patient experience and quality of life.

This new report explains the significant and rapid progress that has been made including £130 million investment (over 2016/18) in new and upgraded radiotherapy equipment and £200 million over two years to accelerate rapid diagnosis and enhance patients’ quality of life. This includes among others: modernisation of radiotherapy equipment; new models of care ensuring cancer is diagnosed earlier; Cancer Alliances better coordinating care; support for survivors through a Recovery Package and quality of life metric, and five pilot sites testing a 28 day faster diagnosis standard.

Achieving World-Class Cancer Outcomes: A Strategy for England 2015-2020 – Progress Report 2016-17 describes the significant advances the National Cancer Programme has made over the past year as it moves towards the full delivery of the NHS five-year national cancer strategy.