'People first' national cancer plan welcomed in South Yorks & Bassetlaw

A range of measures aimed at greater cancer prevention and to improve the lives of those living with and beyond the disease, have been unveiled by the Government today.

Diagnosing more cancers earlier and faster, providing more enhanced screening programmes using AI and digital innovations, and improving access to treatments for tens of thousands more people, are among the ambitions included in the new national cancer plan.

The 10-year plan, launched on World Cancer Day, has been welcomed by the South Yorkshire & Bassetlaw Cancer Alliance as ‘a plan that puts the needs of people first’.

Managing Director Julia Jessop said: “The priorities in the national plan align strongly with our existing ‘Shows Up’ partnership cancer strategy here in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw.

“Shows Up is about encouraging everyone to recognise cancer as their business. We have been working with individuals, communities, educators, employers, charities and the voluntary sector to think about how they can support achieving our ambitions by working together in innovative ways. “

The Cancer Alliance particularly welcomes the national plan’s ambitions to design cancer care around people’s lives, taking account of their individual circumstances and wellbeing. This supports the 2026 World Cancer Day theme of ‘uniqueness’ and that behind every diagnosis is a unique human story.

Julia added: “Cancer is more than a medical verdict, it’s a personal matter that impacts every part of an individual’s life, and that is reflected in every aspect of the Shows Up strategy.

“For example, our Personalised Care programme within that strategy includes an online hub providing information on how to access a whole range of services to support people’s overall psychosocial wellbeing.”

Another key focus of Shows Up is to encourage employers to be proactive on cancer in the workplace with understanding and compassion. This includes developing and introducing policies and processes recognising the impact on people’s work lives, and supporting them back into employment following treatment – an ambition which is echoed in the national plan.

Julia said: “There is a lot of detail in the national plan, with a lot of exciting approaches to transforming cancer care that we are already engaged in. We look forward to working through all of it with our partners and stakeholders and determining our priorities over the next 10 years.”