The Government has announced that it is taking action to make it easier for people living in rural and coastal communities to see a cancer specialist, as part of plans to tackle the current postcode lottery.
The most deprived parts of the country often have fewer cancer consultants, leaving patients waiting longer for vital care. These same areas face the highest rates of economic inactivity, with long waits for diagnosis and treatment keeping people out of work and holding back local economies.
To fix this, the government will introduce new training places targeted at Trusts with the biggest workforce gaps - prioritising rural and coastal areas where patients currently struggle most.
Working with the royal colleges, the government will encourage more doctors to specialise in clinical and medical oncology, boosting the number of cancer specialists in underserved areas.
The measures will be set out in the forthcoming National Cancer Plan, helping patients get diagnosed and treated faster as part of the government’s mission to make England a world leader for cancer survival and build an NHS fit for the future.
To further tackle inequalities, the plan will also set new national standards for cancer care and invest in the latest technology and AI to spot cancers earlier.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: "For too long, your chances of seeing a doctor and catching cancer early have depended on where you live. That’s not fair and has to stop. I am determined to end the health inequalities that have grown across England over the last 15 years. We’re training more doctors in the communities that need them most and making sure the latest cancer detection technology reaches every corner of the country.
"Faster diagnosis doesn’t just save lives - it gets people back to work and back to their families sooner. Whether you live in a coastal town or a rural village, you deserve the same shot at survival and quality of life as everyone else. This government will turn that promise into a reality."
Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, said: "We are tackling the differences in cancer care between different parts of the country head-on with the new National Cancer Plan, so that no one needing a diagnosis or treatment is left behind. The NHS is increasing cancer specialist training places in areas of most need as well as working closely with the royal colleges to bring more doctors into oncology training - ensuring the pipeline of much needed specialists for the future.
"We’re rolling out services, treatments and technology across the country so you will be able to access world-class cancer specialists and the latest treatments that are right for you, no matter where you live."
