Can the National Cancer Plan deliver faster care and better outcomes?

The Government published the National Cancer Plan in February 2026, marking the first dedicated cancer strategy for England in a decade. The new administration now responsible for the Plan's implementation must prioritize its delivery and translate its ambitions into tangible improvements for those affected by cancer. Matt Sample, Senior Health Policy Manager, examines the dual challenge of meeting cancer waiting time targets and driving longer-term action to improve survival.

People affected by cancer emphasized that every single day spent waiting for a cancer diagnosis or treatment feels like an eternity. Consequently, the assurance that the NHS would meet the Cancer Waiting Time targets (CWTs) by March 2029 was a significant milestone in the National Cancer Plan. However, meeting these targets has been a long-standing issue, with misses for far too long.

The cornerstone ambition of the Plan is to ensure that three out of four patients survive their cancer for five years or more by 2035. While improving operational performance is crucial, delivering the Plan's ambitions necessitates action across the entire cancer pathway. This presents two key challenges for government and the NHS: first, to establish a credible path to meeting the commitment on cancer waiting times, and second, to accomplish this alongside the broader actions required to enhance cancer survival.

The NHS's capacity to address this 'dual challenge' hinges on having the right resources and approach.