Government launches consultation to shape new cancer plan following years of campaigning
Tuesday 4 February 2025
We're delighted to welcome today's announcement from the Government, launching a call for evidence to help shape a new national cancer plan for England. After years of campaigning with people affected by bowel cancer and the wider cancer community, this is a significant opportunity to save more lives and ensure patients are supported throughout the cancer pathway.
Evidence shows a dedicated and funded cancer plan is the best way to tackle key challenges, including increasing early diagnosis and ensuring more people receive timely, effective treatment. However, the success of this plan will depend on how well it addresses the specific barriers faced by bowel cancer patients.
We attended today's event marking World Cancer Day alongside people affected by cancer and other cancer charities, where Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the Government’s call for evidence will help shape the final plan. The Health Secretary hopes the plan will drive the necessary system-wide changes to improve cancer outcomes by taking a more holistic approach to the patient experience and identifying inefficiencies to maximise NHS resources.
We'll be working hard to ensure that the voices of people affected by bowel cancer are heard and that this plan delivers the improvements needed and ultimately save more lives.
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, Bowel Cancer UK, said: "Today's announcement is a really encouraging step forward in creating a better future for people affected by bowel cancer. We have long called for a dedicated cancer plan, which is a once in a decade opportunity to change the way cancer services work for patients for the better.
“Now is our time to make a difference so we'll work with our community to ensure this plan delivers for bowel cancer patients where others have not. This means properly addressing the lack of progress in early diagnosis of bowel cancer and going further than ever before to improve patient experience and their chance of survival."
- If you'd like to get involved and help us push for real change, sign up here and join #TeamBowelCancerUK
- Learn more about our campaigning work
- Find out more about our campaign encouraging people to go to the GP if they're experiencing key symptoms
