The National Cancer Plan: what it means for lung cancer patients

The UKLCC welcomes the National Cancer Plan and its focus on improving outcomes for people affected by cancer. While much remains to be done, the Plan outlines several positive measures that could significantly improve early diagnosis, treatment access and long‑term survival for lung cancer patients, if fully delivered. 

Firstly, the commitment to complete the rollout of targeted lung cancer screening in England by 2030 is a major step forward, offering screening to more than six million people by 2035 and the potential to diagnose 23,000 lung cancers earlier. We will track progress closely to ensure this ambition translates into timely, equitable delivery—and continue pressing for screening programmes across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.  We will also continue to seek assurances that the funding and resource for rollout has been fully secured for the next four years.

The introduction of a chest X‑ray self‑referral pilot by 2028, like that in breast cancer, is another positive development, reflecting long‑standing calls from the UKLCC and partners. The expansion of the current AI Diagnostic Fund to all trusts to provide AI support tools will also help speed up lung cancer diagnosis. Yet the section on genomics lacks clarity. While the wider use of ctDNA testing is encouraging, it must complement—not replace—tissue biopsy, which remains essential for treatment decisions in lung cancer. The Plan does little to address the slow and inconsistent turnaround times for gold‑standard genomic testing, which can take weeks in some areas and continues to delay access to targeted therapies.

The Plan rightly recognises the deep inequalities that shape cancer outcomes, with lung cancer contributing a full year to the life‑expectancy gap between the richest and poorest communities. Early evidence shows targeted screening is already narrowing this divide, but sustained focus on underserved groups, diagnostic access and equitable adoption of new technologies will be vital. The promise that every patient will have a clinical nurse specialist or named contact is long overdue; specialist nurses are central to navigating complex lung cancer pathways. Delivering this ambition will require investment in training, workforce planning and support for high‑need areas. We also back Lung Cancer Nursing UK’s work to develop a professional framework for pathway navigators and coordinators.

As targeted therapies continue to extend the lives of people with advanced lung cancer, survivorship must become a priority. The Plan’s proposals to help people stay in work and provide neighbourhood‑level support for those living with and beyond cancer are important foundations, but they must be matched with practical delivery and long‑term investment.

Overall, the National Cancer Plan provides a constructive framework for improving lung cancer outcomes. Its proposals on screening, diagnostics, innovation, workforce and survivorship offer real potential—but only if implemented consistently and backed by the resources required. The UKLCC stands ready to work with government and the NHS to ensure these measures translate into earlier diagnosis and optimal and equitable care for everyone affected by lung cancer.