Earlier this month the UK government published its 10 Year Health Plan for England, setting out ambitions for the NHS over the next 10 years.
It aims to transform the NHS through three key shifts, all of which will enable rapid progress on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer:
- Moving care from hospitals to communities
- Transitioning from analogue to digital systems, and
- Focusing on prevention rather than sickness
Engagement in Developing the Plan
In shaping this 10-year strategy, the health plan team carried out comprehensive engagement work:
- They received input from 79 cancer-related organisations, hosted a cancer-specific event with over 80 groups, and held four meetings with a Partners’ Council, which included 17 cancer-focused bodies. Additionally, 19 individuals diagnosed with cancer within the past two years took part in public consultation events.
- Many participants praised the high standards of NHS cancer treatment and the dedication of healthcare staff, although recurring concerns were raised about diagnostic delays and not feeling heard during appointments.
- There was a clear call for more empathetic and consistent communication, especially around delivering diagnoses and prognoses. Some individuals also reported difficulties accessing their test results.
- Attendees felt that digital technology has the potential to improve patient experience by streamlining care through shared records and using AI to accelerate diagnosis, but stressed this should enhance, not replace, human care.
- Prevention and early diagnosis stood out as top priorities. Suggestions included expanding screening to younger demographics and improving GP education on early cancer symptoms. However, participants recognised that significant investment would be necessary to bring these goals to life.
The Three Core Shifts
Our colleagues at Wessex Cancer Alliance have reviewed the 10-Year Health Plan and identified three fundamental changes that are expected to shape cancer services in the UK:
- From hospitals to local communities: This shift aims to make cancer screening, diagnostics, and treatment more accessible by bringing services closer to patients’ homes. It also offers individuals greater flexibility and options in how and where they receive care.
- From analogue to digital: By embracing digital innovation, the NHS can more effectively prevent, detect, and treat cancers using cutting-edge technology.
- From treating illness to preventing it: The strategy puts strong emphasis on early identification and preventative care, allowing the NHS to intervene earlier for those at risk and expand access to vital screening services.
Policies Driving Earlier Detection and Screening
Several key initiatives are planned to enhance early cancer detection:
- Cervical cancer elimination by 2040: To achieve this, HPV vaccinations will be made available to all eligible girls and women. Additionally, self-sampling kits will allow women to complete smear tests privately at home.
- Cancer screening via the NHS App: People will be able to book screenings directly through the app, with screening histories stored digitally so healthcare professionals can view comprehensive patient records during consultations.
- Targeted lung cancer screening: Those with a history of smoking and considered high-risk will be offered screening to catch cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.
- Expansion of genomic testing: From next year, testing for inherited cancer risk will be broadened to support earlier detection and preventative care.
- Faster access to personalised cancer vaccines: The MHRA will prioritise reviewing personalised vaccines as part of a wider focus on advanced, transformative treatments.
Leveraging Technology for Improved Cancer Care
The plan aims to harness innovation to streamline diagnosis and care:
- Enhanced diagnostics through digital tools: Increased use of digital platforms will speed up the diagnostic process, shorten waiting times, and broaden treatment choices.
- Teledermatology clinics will allow GPs to refer patients to community-based ‘photo clinics’ for suspected skin cancer.
- Leading-edge programmes such as precision oncology at The Royal Marsden and AI-assisted clinical tools at Chelsea and Westminster are enhancing diagnosis and treatment pathways.
- 10,000 cancer vaccines over five years: In collaboration with academic institutions and industry, the NHS will invest in research and planning to deliver personalised mRNA cancer vaccines.
- New taskforce for young people: The Department of Health and Social Care has established a Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce to improve prevention, diagnosis, and experiences of young cancer patients. Its findings will feed into the broader National Cancer Plan.
Supporting Cancer Patients to Live Well
Several features of the plan are designed to empower those living with cancer:
- The NHS App will allow users to manage appointments, prescriptions, and access their medical records, helping them take control of their care.
- Integrated patient records will eliminate the need for patients to repeat their story. Whether receiving care at home, in the community or in hospital, their history will be readily accessible to all treating clinicians.
- 24/7 virtual advice via the NHS App will be rolled out, with a goal for every patient to have a personalised AI assistant available by 2030 to offer support when needed.
- MyHealth digital tool will consolidate health data in one place and allow for remote monitoring, providing reassurance to patients and timely intervention from professionals if needed.
Promoting Healthier Habits and Reducing Smoking
The plan includes bold steps to encourage better lifestyle choices:
- Smoke-free generation: The new Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to gradually phase out tobacco sales, stopping addiction before it starts.
- Strengthened smoking restrictions: Public space smoking bans will be tightened to protect children and vulnerable groups from second-hand smoke.
- Personalised digital quit support: Tools available via the NHS App and HealthStore will tailor smoking cessation support to individual habits. As more personalised data becomes available, users will also receive specific health risk warnings, such as lung cancer risk, based on their profile.
In summary
The government’s ambitious 10-Year Health Plan represents a significant and forward-thinking commitment to improving the NHS for the future. At its heart, the plan aims to bring meaningful, lasting improvements to the experience of patients, the working lives of NHS staff, and the health outcomes of the wider public.
For cancer care in particular, it offers a clear vision: earlier diagnosis, more accessible and localised services, expanded use of innovative technologies, and a stronger focus on prevention. The plan recognises the challenges faced by people living with or affected by cancer and seeks to address long-standing concerns around delays, communication, and continuity of care.
By prioritising digital transformation, empowering patients through tools like the NHS App, investing in precision medicine, and embedding personalised support throughout the system, the plan provides a roadmap for a more compassionate, responsive, and effective healthcare system.
Ultimately, it offers renewed hope to patients navigating cancer today, to their families, and to those working tirelessly across the NHS to deliver better care for tomorrow.
