Every cancer patient will be given individual support, designed just for them, under the government’s National Cancer Plan.
For the first time, every patient will get a Personalised Cancer Plan that looks beyond just treatment and diagnosis to cover the full impact of cancer on their life – from anxiety and fatigue to diet and returning to work.
They will also receive an end-of-treatment summary to end the cliff edge many face when chemotherapy or surgery finishes – giving them clear guidance on warning signs, who to call with concerns, and where to find ongoing support like physiotherapy, counselling or local cancer groups.
Even after successful treatment, some patients find themselves unable to return to the lives they had before diagnosis. The psychological toll of cancer can be devastating and long-lasting – with anxiety, depression and trauma persisting long after physical recovery. The Personalised Cancer Plan ensures patients receive the mental health support they need to rebuild their lives.
Rolling out this year, the new approach recognises that cancer can affect every part of a patient’s life and that care doesn’t stop when treatment ends.
It’s a crucial change in how cancer patients receive support, ensuring care is designed around their lives rather than demanding patients fit around the NHS.
More personalised support doesn’t just improve wellbeing – it gets people back to work and back to their families sooner.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting said:
“If you’ve ever sat in a waiting room dreading what comes next or laid awake at 3am wondering how you’ll pay the bills while you’re off work for treatment, you’ll know that cancer doesn’t just attack your body – it takes over your whole life. I was fortunate. I had a supportive employer, a family who could rally around me, and the financial security to focus on getting better. But I know that’s not everyone’s reality – and it shouldn’t be based on luck.”
Patients will be connected to cancer charities for specialist support through the NHS App as soon as they are diagnosed.
Too often, patients only discover charity support by chance – or miss out entirely. This means help with everything from financial advice to emotional support will be just a tap away, right when they need it most.
“Being diagnosed with cancer affects every part of your life and the lives of the people around”
The NHS App will be transformed into a digital portal for cancer care, allowing patients to book screening appointments, access prehabilitation programmes, view their patient record, check their Personalised Cancer Plan, and provide feedback on their care – all from the convenience of their home.
By 2035, every cancer patient will have a named neighbourhood care lead responsible for joining up their care after treatment meaning no more being passed from pillar to post. This demonstrates the real change being delivered by the government’s record investment as we rebuild the NHS.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Cancer, said:
“Being diagnosed with cancer affects every part of your life and the lives of the people around you which is why the NHS is committed to supporting people with cancer in every possible way, from the best treatment and clear information through to psychological and practical help.
“A personalised cancer plan will bring all this together, helping people face cancer with the right care, at the right time, in the right way.”
New standards will be introduced by 2028 to help patients get fit for treatment and recover quickly afterwards – including prehabilitation, rehabilitation and physical activity programmes.
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