National Cancer Plan reflects key proposals championed by 3,000 Yorkshire voices

Yorkshire Cancer Research has welcomed the National Cancer Plan announced this week, highlighting that several of the charity’s key proposals, supported by nearly 3,000 people across Yorkshire, have now been reflected in the Government’s strategy.

The charity’s White Rose campaign brought together the voices of people across Yorkshire who called for urgent action to reduce the region’s cancer inequalities. These include higher cancer incidence, later diagnosis and lower survival than many other parts of England.

The National Cancer Plan includes commitments to reduce geographical differences in cancer care, improve early diagnosis and expand access to modern diagnostic technologies. These steps reflect key proposals put forward in the charity's landmark White Rose Cancer Report and strongly championed through the charity’s campaign.

Yorkshire’s need is especially urgent. People in Yorkshire are less likely to survive cancer than in many other parts of England, and only one of Yorkshire’s 12 hospital trusts currently meets the national target for 85 percent of people to begin treatment within 62 days of referral.

Dr Griffiths added: “From committing to reducing geographical differences in cancer care to improving survival through better access to early diagnostic tests and new technologies, the Plan includes several measures that could help end the postcode lottery faced by people with cancer in Yorkshire. These measures are ambitious, and we urge the Government to ensure they reach the communities that need them most, including many across Yorkshire.”

The Plan introduces a Neighbourhood Early Diagnosis Fund, targeted at areas with the lowest early diagnosis rates, which reflects key issues raised by Yorkshire Cancer Research and its supporters throughout the White Rose Cancer Report.

Yorkshire Cancer Research has also welcomed the inclusion of a commitment to national quality standards for prehabilitation and the provision of rehabilitation for some people with cancer.

The Plan specifically references evidence from the charity’s Active Together service, which has led the way in demonstrating how structured and personalised research-backed cancer exercise treatment, provided alongside nutrition and wellbeing support, can improve survival.

Active Together, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research and designed by Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, has supported nearly 3,000 people in the region with personalised fitness, nutrition and wellbeing support delivered by cancer specialists.

One of those people is Neil Garner, from Sheffield, who is pictured second from left in the image below alongside fellow supporter Geoff Rodley from Leeds and Yorkshire professional cyclists Harry and Charlie Tanfield. Neil welcomed Harry and Charlie to Westminster after they cycled 3,000 white roses pledged by supporters from Yorkshire to London, as part of efforts to amplify the region's voice in Parliament. 

After Neil was diagnosed with bowel cancer in May 2022, the 71-year-old was told he would need to lose weight before he could safely have his cancer removed.  

Neil said: “Thanks to the Active Together programme – their personalised support, encouragement and expert guidance – I lost two stone in three months, helping me get fit enough for surgery. I then returned to Active Together during my recovery from chemotherapy treatment, and the visits with my instructor became the highlight of my week. Coming to the service and talking to people who really understood what I needed to achieve provided me with the motivation I needed. I’m currently three years cancer-free and still follow an exercise regime, as inspired by Active Together.”

Neil was one of the thousands of supporters who united to back the charity’s White Rose campaign and urge for an end to Yorkshire’s long-standing cancer inequalities in the National Cancer Plan.

Neil continued: “I welcome the National Cancer Plan as I’ve hoped we would see measures that deal with all aspects of how we treat cancer, including fitness, nutrition and mental wellbeing services. I would wish to see support to prepare people for cancer treatment in addition to recovery, as this was how Active Together assisted me.

“The programme not only helped improved my fitness but also gave me a new philosophical attitude towards my cancer. The wraparound support of Active Together became my comfort blanket. I trust it becomes part of the Government’s plan to make sure a service like is available to everyone with a cancer diagnosis in Yorkshire, and beyond.” 

An evaluation of Active Together found that participants experienced improved recovery, reduced anxiety and lower use of hospital services. They were also more likely to survive at least one year after their diagnosis compared to people with cancer that did not participate in the service. 

Based on the service’s evidence, Yorkshire Cancer Research estimates that providing prehabilitation and rehabilitation to everyone diagnosed with cancer across England would support more than 67,000 people each year and create almost 60,000 additional years of life.

The charity says that while a digital first national offer is a positive step, it must evolve into a structured and personalised model, available for everyone with cancer, if it is to replicate the benefits seen in Yorkshire.

Dr Griffiths said: “Recognising the evidence from Active Together is a major step forward and a firm indication that Yorkshire’s voice has been heard in Westminster. But digital support must be provided alongside one-to-one sessions and group classes delivered by cancer exercise specialists at community venues. Every person diagnosed with cancer deserves access to personalised fitness, nutrition and wellbeing support, just as people with cancer do through Active Together.

“With stronger action on prevention, enhanced early diagnosis and a renewed focus on fair research funding, people in Yorkshire stand to benefit significantly, provided the commitments are delivered consistently and quickly.

“Yorkshire Cancer Research will continue to work with Government and the NHS to ensure the needs and experiences of people in Yorkshire remain central as the Plan is implemented.”