VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Cancer: Diagnosis

Asked by Gregor PoyntonLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 7 May 2025UIN 903947

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the time taken for cancer diagnoses.

Answered by Ashley Dalton

Our Plan for Change is already making an impact. In February, the proportion of patients getting a diagnosis or an all clear within four weeks was the highest yet. After outlining renewed focus on cancer standards in the Elective Reform Plan, we set new targets for faster diagnosis in the NHS 2025/26 Planning Guidance.

Our National Cancer Plan will cover the whole pathway, including diagnosis.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim