Patients in rural and coastal communities will soon have improved access to cancer specialists as part of a government initiative aimed at addressing the disparities in healthcare known as the ‘postcode lottery.’ The plan, set to be outlined in the upcoming National Cancer Plan on February 4, 2026, coinciding with World Cancer Day, will focus on increasing the number of trained oncologists in areas with significant workforce shortages.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, a kidney cancer survivor, expressed his commitment to ensuring that all patients, regardless of their location, have equitable access to cancer care. He stated, “Patients in under-served areas deserve the same shot at survival and quality of life as everyone else.” This initiative is particularly crucial as areas with fewer healthcare professionals often experience higher rates of economic inactivity, with delays in treatment further impacting local economies.
The National Cancer Plan aims to reduce the incidence of cancer, accelerate diagnoses, and improve treatment options across the country. As part of this effort, the government intends to collaborate with royal medical colleges to attract more doctors to specialize in clinical and medical oncology. This is expected to enhance the quality of care available in hospitals situated outside major urban centers.
In addition to increasing the number of specialists, the plan includes measures to expedite the rollout of advanced diagnostic tests and technologies to hospitals. Currently, many of these innovations are limited to institutions involved in extensive medical research. Streeting emphasized that faster diagnosis not only saves lives but also enables people to return to work and their families more swiftly.
Recent statistics from NHS England reveal disparities in cancer diagnosis timelines, with only 76.5% of patients urgently referred for suspected cancer being diagnosed or having cancer ruled out within 28 days as of November. This percentage varied significantly across different trusts, ranging from 54.5% to 100%. The new plan seeks to ensure that all patients receive timely diagnoses, irrespective of their geographical location.
From April 2027, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will assess new diagnostic tests and devices aimed at detecting cancer earlier. If approved, these innovations will be made available across the National Health Service (NHS), similar to the current process for new medications. Among the first items to be evaluated by NICE include artificial intelligence tools for analyzing chest X-rays and novel techniques for the assessment of unexplained vaginal bleeding.
The plan will also introduce the ‘sponge on a string’ test for detecting oesophageal cancer. This innovative method allows patients to swallow a small capsule that dissolves in the stomach, leaving a sponge that collects cells from the oesophageal lining for analysis.
Professor Jonathan Benger, chief executive of NICE, highlighted the organization’s commitment to eliminating disparities in access to healthcare technologies. He stated, “These reforms mean that clinically and cost-effective medical devices, diagnostics and digital tools will start to be reimbursed and made available consistently across the NHS.” This initiative aims to ensure that patients gain quicker access to effective technologies, maximizing the impact of NHS resources.
The National Cancer Plan is seen as a pivotal opportunity to address the inequities faced by patients in rural and coastal regions. Steven McIntosh, chief partnerships officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, commented on the pressing need for change, emphasizing that current disparities prevent many individuals from receiving necessary treatment based on their location.
As the plan unfolds, it is expected to address significant differences in cancer care head-on, ensuring that all patients, regardless of their circumstances, receive high-quality medical attention. The government’s commitment to enhancing cancer care in under-served areas represents a critical step towards achieving equitable healthcare across the nation.
