On World Cancer Day, the Government published its new National Cancer Plan. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve cancer care and survival rates for people here in Chester North and Neston.
Cancer touches almost every family in some way. I know that personally, as do so many people locally. Too often, people have faced long waits, late diagnoses and a lack of support once treatment ends. This plan is about changing that, diagnosing cancer earlier, treating it faster, and supporting people properly not just through treatment, but beyond it as well.
The ambition is clear: from 2035, three in four people diagnosed with cancer will be cancer-free or living well five years later. That goal is backed by record investment in the NHS, including £2.3 billion to deliver millions more tests and scans, expanded community diagnostic centres so people can be seen closer to home, and a major increase in robot-assisted surgery to help patients recover more quickly and reduce pressure on hospital beds.
Crucially, the plan also commits to ending long cancer waits. After more than a decade of missed targets nationally, the NHS is expected to meet all cancer waiting time standards by 2029. Hundreds of thousands more patients will begin treatment within the 62-day standard, which can make a life-saving difference.
What matters just as much is the focus on people, not just processes. Every cancer patient will receive a Personalised Cancer Plan, covering treatment, mental health support, recovery, and help staying in or returning to work. Patients will have a named care lead, better follow-up after treatment, and direct links to trusted cancer charities through the NHS App.
The plan also tackles health inequalities, improving access to specialist care in rural and coastal areas, strengthening support for children and young people with cancer, and addressing the causes of cancer through action on smoking and junk food advertising. Built with the cancer community and rooted in lived experience, this plan will save lives.
Finally, I want to remind Blacon residents about a community event this Saturday, 14 February, from 10:30am to 12:00pm at Matthew Henry Evangelical Church. It’s a chance to discuss the £20 million Pride in Place investment, ask questions, and help shape how this funding is spent. I hope to see as many of you there as possible.