Cancer Research UK warns of a projected 6.3 million new cancer cases in England by 2040. They call for a fully funded National Cancer Plan to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
Cancer Research UK and a coalition of over 60 charities have projected that England will face 6.3 million new cancer diagnoses by 2040, doubling the current rate. This alarming trend is attributed to an ageing population and lifestyle factors. In response, the coalition, known as One Cancer Voice, is urging the government to implement a fully funded National Cancer Plan. The plan should focus on prevention, early diagnosis, equitable treatment access, and comprehensive support for individuals living with and beyond cancer.
By 2040, a new cancer diagnosis will happen every two minutes
The One Cancer Voice coalition has outlined six essential tests for the National Cancer Plan, which is expected to be released later this year, for England to meet in its efforts to combat the rising number of cancer cases.
- Prevention. Deliver a clear plan to prevent cancer, including action on tobacco, obesity, HPV, alcohol, and genetic risk.
- Access. Meet all cancer waiting times, address cancer inequalities and ensure everyone can receive the best possible cancer care, no matter what their age, where they live or who they are.
- Earlier Diagnosis. Outline a renewed commitment to the earlier diagnosis of cancer, and activities that support this, including public campaigns, implementation of evidence-based screening programmes and supporting primary care/GPs.
- Treatment. Ensure all patients receive optimal (or best practice) treatments, including those that extend life for those living with incurable cancers.
- Research and development. Enhance patient access to relevant cancer clinical trials and establish the NHS as a world-leading platform for cancer research and development.
- Living with and beyond cancer. Deliver person-centred care that tackles unmet needs and improves the quality of life of every person living with cancer.
“Nearly one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime – the disease will impact everyone, whether they receive a diagnosis themselves, or have a friend, family member or loved one who does.
The National Cancer Plan for England could be a defining moment. If the UK Government delivers an ambitious, fully funded strategy, we could save more lives and transform cancer outcomes, propelling England from world lagging to among the best when it comes to tackling this disease.
Meeting these six tests will demonstrate the UK Government’s seriousness about improving cancer outcomes. We’ve seen progress before – now is the time to act again. And make a difference for cancer patients,” added Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive and One Cancer Voice representative.
Ending cancer waiting times
The report highlights how long cancer waiting times contribute to worse outcomes for patients. NHS England aims to start treatment for 85% of cancer patients within 62 days of an urgent suspected cancer referral. But in the first half of 2025, over 50,000 people waited longer than this to start their treatment. These long wait times fuel anxiety and stress in people waiting for a diagnosis or results.
To reduce cancer waiting times, the NHS requires investment in staff and equipment, as well as changes to how patients are referred and diagnosed.
Improvements in cancer survival have not been shared equally across all cancer types. By 2040, nearly 3 million cases of rare and less survivable cancers are expected, many of which have seen minimal progress in survival rates. Research shows survival disparities are wider than ever, with 10-year survival ranging from 97% for testicular cancer to 4.3% for pancreatic cancer. While breast, bowel, and cervical cancers have benefited from effective screening, survival for oesophagus, stomach, lung, and brain cancers remains below 20%.
