Public affairs update Feb 2025
Published on: 13 February 2025We are working hard to keep cancer high on the government's list of priorities.
This year is already proving to be busy when it comes to our policy work. Here, we outline what we have been doing to influence government policy in relation to improving diagnosis and patient care.
One Cancer Voice campaign
We collaborate with coalitions like One Cancer Voice to advocate for improvements to cancer care. This week, as part of the One Cancer Voice coalition of charities, we joined more than 50 cancer charities to call on the government to address cancer waiting times.
Data analysed by Cancer Research UK on behalf of the coalition shows that 74,000 cancer patients waited longer than they should to start their treatment last year. More than 1 in 10 cancer patients (11.3%) faced having to wait more than 104 days following an urgent suspected cancer referral to begin their treatment - nearly twice as long as the 62-day target.
We know that dedicated NHS staff are working hard, and last year saw a slight improvement in cancer waiting times from 2023. However, there is still a very long way to go. One Cancer Voice has warned that the slow rate of improvement - just over 2 percentage points over the last year - is not enough to achieve this. Together, we've called on ministers to prioritise cancer waiting times through investment in additional staff and equipment.
National Cancer Plan consultation
The National Cancer Plan call for evidence is an excellent opportunity to improve the lives of cancer patients. As with the 10 Year Health Plan consultation, we will be submitting a response as a charity on behalf of our community.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is also seeking individuals' views and ideas on the contents of the plan. These views will shape the plan to improve cancer care, from referral and diagnosis to treatment and aftercare, in order to improve the experience and outcomes for people with cancer.
This is your chance to make your voice heard, ensuring lymphoma remains at the forefront of new cancer developments and innovations. You can submit your response here: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/shaping-the-national-cancer-plan. The closing date for comments is 29 April 2025.
Through these and other initiatives, we're working to improve the lives of those affected by lymphoma and ensure their voices are heard.