England marks World Cancer Day with launch of new National Cancer Control Plan

England has marked World Cancer Day with the launch of a new National Cancer Plan, setting out the most ambitious cancer survival targets in NHS history. The plan commits to ensuring that three in four people diagnosed with cancer from 2035 onwards are cancer‑free or living well five years after diagnosis, a significant step up from current survival rates.

Central to the strategy is a major drive to speed up diagnosis and treatment. The government has announced a £2.3 billion investment in diagnostics, which will deliver millions of additional tests by 2029, expand the use of digital and automated testing, and extend operating hours of Community Diagnostic Centres to improve access.

The plan also reinforces a commitment to meet all cancer waiting‑time standards by 2029, modernise NHS cancer services with cutting‑edge technology, and expand access to specialist care. Together, these measures aim to transform cancer outcomes across England over the next decade.

The plan is available on the ICCP portal here.