On Tuesday, I attended events with Radiotherapy UK and Leukaemia UK to discuss a stark reality: cancer care in the UK is in crisis.

Over the past decade, more than 500,000 patients have faced unacceptable delays in cancer treatment, leaving the UK near the bottom of OECD cancer outcome rankings. This is deeply concerning—every four-week delay in treatment increases mortality by 10%.

I have long campaigned for better access to Modern Radiotherapy, which could immediately reduce waiting lists while delivering faster, more precise, and effective treatment. Yet, despite being needed by 1 in 2 cancer patients and responsible for 40% of cancer cures, access to this life-saving technology remains far too limited.

This week, Labour announced its National Cancer Plan, a crucial step in the right direction. To truly transform cancer care, we need bold investment in:

✅ Faster diagnosis to catch cancer earlier

✅ Better treatment pathways to ensure timely care

✅ Improved access to modern radiotherapy and other life-saving technologies

Cancer patients deserve timely, world-class care—not endless waiting and uncertainty. It’s time to end the crisis in cancer care and ensure no one is left behind.

#WorldCancerDay