Preventing cancer and diagnosing it earlier
The NHS Long Term Plan sets an ambitious goal: by 2028, 75% of cancers will be diagnosed at stage 1 or 2. Achieving this will save an estimated 55,000 additional lives each year and increase overall cancer survival to over 70%.
Prevention is central to our work. While cancer risk is influenced by a combination of lifestyle, genetics and environmental factors, evidence shows that around 4 in 10 cancers could be prevented through healthier choices. These include:
- Stopping smoking
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Being physically active
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Avoiding sunbeds and limiting exposure to the sun
Although not all cancers can be prevented, there are clear steps people can take to reduce their risk.
Supporting earlier diagnosis
Diagnosing cancer earlier improves outcomes and saves lives. This depends on:
- People recognising potential signs and symptoms and seeking advice promptly
- Participation in national screening programmes
- Healthcare professionals having the awareness, tools and confidence to refer patients quickly and appropriately
Our priorities
Working in partnership with screening and immunisation teams, public health, primary care networks, community organisations and charities, we are focused on the following priorities:
- HPV Vaccination
Increasing uptake among school-aged children and young adults through targeted awareness campaigns - Lung Cancer Screening
Continuing the rollout of targeted lung screening programmes across the Thames Valley - Breast, Bowel and Cervical Screening
Improving awareness and participation through campaigns and behaviour change initiatives - Liver Surveillance
Supporting NHS Trusts to strengthen pathways for people at high risk of hepatocellular cancer - Bowel and Lung Cancer Early Detection
Working with primary and secondary care to develop and implement interventions that support earlier diagnosis - Pancreatic cancer: We will support the national project to identify pancreatic cancer earlier through proactive case-finding searches
- Primary Care Support
Delivering education sessions, providing practical toolkits, and developing quality improvement initiatives to support earlier cancer detection - Encouraging Timely Presentation
Raising awareness of cancer risk factors, signs and symptoms within communities, and promoting early engagement with primary care. This includes targeted outreach in high-footfall settings such as sports venues
Together, these actions will help us prevent more cancers, diagnose them earlier, and improve outcomes for our population.