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Ovarian Cancer: Medical Treatments

Asked by Dr Scott ArthurLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 27 May 2026UIN 2631

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how the forthcoming cancer manuals will address existing variation in access to ovarian cancer treatment for patients across England.

Answered by Mrs Sharon Hodgson

Reducing inequity and variation in cancer care, including for ovarian cancer, is a priority for the Government. The National Cancer Plan, published in February 2026, sets out how we will reduce unwarranted variation in access to cancer treatments to drive up standards across England and tackle health inequalities head on.

The Department and NHS England will establish clear quality standards for cancer delivery through cancer manuals, published by tumour type, with regional partnerships of health leaders and clinicians utilising data to drive improvements where services are falling short. Quality standards will incorporate clinical-effectiveness, safety, and experience of care, in line with the definition of quality set out in the 10-Year Health Plan. The manuals will provide a consistent framework against which clinicians, trust boards, and commissioners can assess the quality of their service.

Over time, cancer manuals will be transformed into a continuous learning platform, informed by real-time feedback from patients and artificial intelligence supported learning. Publication will begin in 2027.

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