Detecting cancers earlier

Earlier diagnosis saves lives and improves the quality of life for people living with cancer. Across the NHS, teams are developing innovative ways to increase screening participation, speed up diagnosis and identify cancers at an earlier stage.

Innovation

Innovation will play a key role in delivering the ambitions of the National Cancer Plan. NHS organisations are already using new technologies, treatments and approaches to improve cancer services and deliver better outcomes for people living with cancer.

Rare cancers & research 

Advances in research are improving our understanding of rare and less common cancers, helping to drive better diagnosis, treatment and care. From clinical trials to pioneering new therapies, the NHS is working toward improving outcomes for people affected by rare and less common cancers by 2035.

Inequalities & designing cancer care around people’s lives

People’s experiences of cancer care can be shaped by where they live, their background and their circumstances. The National Cancer Plan aims to reduce these inequalities and support more personalised care that fits around people’s lives, making services easier to access and use.