I share your urgency that we reduce the backlog of cancer care that built up during the pandemic.  During the pandemic, the country’s endeavour was used to tackle the virus and the Government is committed to applying this same spirit to tackling cancer. 

The Government is investing £8 billion by 2025 to help deliver nine million checks, scans, and operations by 2025, and expand the number of surgical hubs across the country.  As part of the 2021 Spending Review, £2.3 billion was committed to expand Community Diagnostic Centres, which will offer rapid access to clinical tests and life-saving checks closer to home. These centres have already delivered over 3.8 million additional checks and tests and are playing an important role in helping to reduce waiting times. 

The Government recognises that tackling major conditions that cause ill-health - including cancer - provides an opportunity to improve the lives of millions of people.  That is why a Major Conditions Strategy will be published to outline how outcomes in six major condition areas will be improved, including cancer. 

This strategy will allow for a renewed focus on innovative treatments and diagnosing cancer earlier to improve outcomes, boosting the cancer workforce, and preventing more cancers from occurring.