Minister faces questions on cancer diagnosis targets and future care
The final session in the future cancer inquiry is expected to focus on the likelihood of early cancer diagnosis targets being met, and progress on the NHS-Galleri trail to advance cancer care. An earlier report by the committee found the government was not on track to diagnose 75% of cancers at stage 1 or 2 by 2028.
Meeting details
Questions are also expected on the absence of a dedicated national cancer plan, with evidence to the inquiry of improved outcomes experienced by countries that have long-term cancer strategies. MPs may raise questions about a publication date for the major conditions strategy, which will include cancer, and the extent to which that will promote innovations in cancer research.
Other areas on the agenda: barriers to further cancer research, in particular risks to the UK’s reputation as a global leader on clinical trials, and whether the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan is sufficient to grow and retain the wider cancer workforce needed.
The inquiry has examined innovations with the greatest potential to transform cancer diagnosis and treatment for patients in the short, medium and long term, and how they can best be transitioned into frontline clinical settings.