The UK Government this World Cancer Day has published its new National Cancer Plan aimed at raising cancer survival rates, speeding up diagnosis and treatment pathways and addressing longstanding regional inequalities in access to care.

Ministers say the plan is designed to ensure that by 2035 three in four people diagnosed with cancer in England will be cancer-free or living well five years after diagnosis, a significant increase on current outcomes.

Under the strategy, the NHS will work towards meeting all key waiting time standards by March 2029 and expand diagnostic capacity with faster tests, extended hours at community diagnostic centres and a major increase in robot-assisted procedures. A £2.3 billion investment is committed to delivering 9.5 million additional tests by 2029 to slash delays that lead to later stage detection and poorer outcomes.

Government data shows cancer survival in the UK still lags behind many other European countries, prompting calls for systemic reform. The plan also promises genomic testing for every patient who could benefit, helping clinicians tailor treatments based on DNA analysis of individual tumours.

Industry and advocacy groups have welcomed the publication but stressed that delivery will be key if the plan is to translate ambition into improved outcomes. James Hargrave, chair of Keep Up With Cancer, said the publication of the plan “reflects the Government’s decision to place cancer firmly at the heart of its long-term health priorities” and that focus is important because the choices set out “will shape cancer outcomes, patient experience and system sustainability for years to come.”

Hargrave added that while the plan’s ambitions are welcome, “the real test … will be whether its commitments are matched with clear delivery mechanisms, sufficient resource and meaningful accountability at both national and local levels.”

Keep Up With Cancer also highlighted barriers between policy intent and delivery, especially in genetic and biomarker testing and securing access to the latest and best treatments, cautioning that ambition must be turned into practical action for patients to benefit equitably.

AstraZeneca UK backed the plan’s forward step for patients and the health service, saying rapid delivery and accountability are critical so that people see “real improvements as quickly as possible; from earlier diagnosis to faster access to innovation.” Anna Arent, head of oncology at AstraZeneca UK, added that the company is ready to support Government, the NHS and partners across the life sciences sector to help deliver meaningful improvements in survival and patient experience.

Charities and smaller organisations have also emphasised treatment access. Sasha Burns, chief executive of Amethyst UK, welcomed the plan as a “hugely important milestone” and said government recognition of the challenge was deserved, but added that radiotherapy access must improve if treatment outcomes are to be better for patients.

Commentators note the plan’s stated ambition follows years of calls from clinicians and researchers for a more integrated cancer strategy to tackle entrenched inequalities in care and outcomes. Evidence compiled during the plan’s development showed the need not only to diagnose cancers earlier but to ensure that patients across the country have timely access to the latest diagnostics, treatments, and specialist support.