Clive Jones MP has renewed his call for the government to commit to a fully funded national cancer strategy, following alarming new projections from One Cancer Voice, the coalition of 60 cancer charities.
In October 2024, Jones called for a National Cancer Plan in a parliamentary debate to tackle the crisis in cancer care, and secured a commitment from the government then to implement this.
Figures from One Cancer Voice revealed that by 2040 someone in England will be diagnosed with cancer every two minutes – double the rate of the 1970s.
More than 6.3 million people are expected to be diagnosed over the next 15 years, with common cancers such as prostate, breast and lung reaching record highs.
One Cancer Voice has set out six tests that must be met if England is to become a world leader in cancer care. These include:
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Meeting all cancer waiting times by 2029
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Setting new early diagnosis targets
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Rolling out stronger prevention policies
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Tackling inequalities in care
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Expanding access to clinical trials
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Improving support for patients living with and beyond cancer
Jones, who has been pushing in parliament for a bold cancer plan, warned that without urgent action the NHS risks being overwhelmed:
He said: “These figures are a wake-up call. Cancer will touch every family, and unless we act decisively, millions of people will face delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes.
“That is why I have consistently urged ministers to adopt a strong national cancer strategy – one that prioritises prevention, early detection and treatment, and addresses the inequalities patients still face.”
“I am proud to stand with One Cancer Voice in demanding a national cancer plan that saves lives and restores hope.
“We need a strategy that is ambitious, fully funded, and backed by clear targets. The government has a defining opportunity – it must seize it.”
