Cancer: Health Services
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what measurable improvements in (a) workforce capacity, (b) research activity, (c) clinical trial access, (d) speed of diagnosis and (e) patient outcomes are expected as a result of the work of the National Clinical Lead for Rare Cancers, the Rare Cancer Specialty Lead and the National Cancer Board; how those improvements are expected to build on previous arrangements; by what dates they are expected to be achieved; and what arrangements are in place to monitor progress and ensure accountability.
Answered by Department of Health and Social Care
The National Cancer Plan, published on 4 February 2026, sets out the Government's long-term approach to improving outcomes for all cancer patients, including those affected by rare cancers such as brain tumours. As part of the plan, the Government committed to appointing a National Clinical Lead for Rare Cancers, who will be appointed in the coming months. They will support delivery of the plan’s rare cancer commitments, represent the interests of rare cancer patients, and sit on the reformed National Cancer Board.
A National Institute for Health and Care Research National Specialty Lead for Rare Cancers will be appointed by summer 2026, supporting the delivery of rare cancers research.
The National Cancer Board will oversee delivery of the National Cancer Plan, with progress reported to ministers by its independent Co-Chair and through an annual progress report published by Government. The board’s work will include patient voice and voluntary sector representation, including rare cancer charities, and the National Clinical Lead will help ensure the interests of rare cancer patients, including brain tumour patients, are reflected.
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