As we reflect on the progress made over the past year, it’s evident that collaboration, advocacy, and dedication have been at the heart of our accomplishments. Advocating for patients, and ensuring cancer care is accessible and equitable remains the top priority, and it’s amazing to see what we’ve been able to achieve. Some highlights are featured below.

World Cancer Day

February 4th was World Cancer Day, and we took our campaign directly to Parliament. There are over half a million people who have waited too long for cancer treatment over the last decade. We had fabulous support from the amazing Radiotherapy UK team and all the other wonderful charities, patients, MPs and, of course, our special guest Bryan Robson. This article was on the front page of the Guardian on World Cancer Day: 

The Lancet also featured an article authored by myself and  Mark Lawler on the need for a radical, accountable, and deliverable National Cancer Plan. Please take time to read that here:

Leading up to World Cancer Day, were a few important milestones from 2024 advancing the conversation about prioritising healthcare and cancer treatment.

Public Cancer Conversations

One of the first things I feel made a difference during 2024 grew out of an unsettling diagnosis in the Royal Family. Their willingness to be frank about the situation has really opened up the conversation about cancer and made it easier for people to talk about their experiences with diagnosis and treatment. I’m genuinely impressed by the courage the Royal Family has shown in speaking out about this important topic.  I have been honoured to be a part of this public conversation and share my thoughts with the press during interviews.

Radiotherapy Investment

There was a significant win for cancer patients and their families in late October of 2024. The government announced a £70 million investment in new radiotherapy treatment machines. This commitment is the result of unwavering campaigning and pressure from supporters.  It is a very welcome significant investment, and I hope that it is deployed in such a way as to cut cancer treatment waiting lists.

But this is just the start and with so many competing priorities for support and such changes now in the world, we will need to make sure that our cancer patients are at the heart of all we do. 

St. George’s House

In December I spent a thought-provoking 2 days at St George's House, Windsor Castle, for "A Blueprint for the NHS – Fixing the Problems." It was a great opportunity to spend 48 hours discussing changes that need to be made to improve the NHS. It’s great to have a dialogue and debate on topics with many knowledgeable people. Now it is time for action.

Going Forward

Although we have made significant gains in campaigning and raising awareness of the cancer crisis, we still have significant ground to cover in closing the care gap and providing the appropriate treatment to all within a reasonable amount of time.

We simply cannot cope with current cancer care demands under the existing system. I contributed recommendations to an article in The Telegraph. It was an honor to be one of six medical professionals addressing the problems in our field and what needs to change. 

2025 can be a big year for the UK as we work to see the implementation of a radical, brave, bold National Cancer Plan.

Please join me throughout 2025 in the #CatchUpWithCancer Campaign and improving outcomes for patients here in the UK and abroad.