Yorkshire Cancer Research welcomes Government plans for a National Cancer Plan

Yesterday, Stephen Kinnock MP confirmed the UK Government plans to develop a dedicated national cancer plan alongside the NHS 10-year plan, marking a positive step in the future of cancer care. As part of its Change Yorkshire’s Cancer Story campaign, Yorkshire Cancer Research has been working with supporters and MPs to urge the Government to commit to a long-term cancer strategy to ensure cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment is made a priority.

The charity is pleased to see these calls have been heard, with the Government mirroring the campaign’s focus on cancer research, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment. The charity also welcomed Stephen Kinnock’s comment on the success of targeted lung screening, which includes pioneering trials such as the Leeds Lung Health Check funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Research shows a consistent national cancer policy positively correlates with improvements in cancer survival. Yorkshire has higher rates of cancer and cancer-related deaths compared to the national average. A joined-up, well-funded cancer strategy is vital to ensure that everyone has equal access to cancer care, no matter who they are or where they live.

Yorkshire Cancer Research looks forward to working with the Government on the NHS 10-year plan and the ensuing dedicated national cancer plan, to ensure the Government’s health mission supports the charity’s own mission - for more people in Yorkshire to live longer healthier lives, free from cancer. This will include making early diagnosis a priority, improving cancer treatment, increasing the focus on cancer prevention and supporting fairer investment in cancer research for Yorkshire.

Stuart Griffiths, Director of Research, Policy and Services, said: “Yorkshire Cancer Research has been highlighting the lack of progress to improve rates of early diagnosis and access to cancer research and treatments in Yorkshire for some time. Therefore, it is exciting that the Government has committed to a national cancer strategy that helps address the key cancer issues in our region."

The confirmation of a national cancer plan is an important step in the right direction, but there is much more work to be done. Join the charity’s campaign and help change Yorkshire’s Cancer Story for good.