- By 2040, 821,000 people in England are expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer, one of the fastest-rising cancer burdens.
- Overall, new cancer cases in England are set to reach 6.3 million by 2040 – meaning someone will be diagnosed every two minutes.
- More than 60 cancer charities, including Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, are uniting under One Cancer Voice to demand a fully funded National Cancer Plan for England.
England is facing a dramatic rise in cancer diagnoses, with new analysis showing more than 6.3 million cases expected by 2040. This means that in just 15 years, someone will be diagnosed with cancer every two minutes – double the rate seen in the 1970s.
While survival has improved over the last 50 years, this steep rise in cases threatens to overwhelm an already stretched NHS. A coalition of over 60 charities – known as One Cancer Voice – is calling for the government to deliver a fully funded National Cancer Plan for England to save lives and prevent the country from falling further behind in global cancer outcomes.
Lung cancer in sharp focus
Among the most concerning projections is for lung cancer, which is set to reach unprecedented levels with over 820,000 diagnoses by 2040. Lung cancer is already the UK’s biggest cancer killer, responsible for more deaths than breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers combined.
Despite promising advances, particularly through the introduction of targeted lung cancer screening, survival rates remain far lower than for other common cancers. Thousands of people are still diagnosed too late, when treatment options are limited.
Paula Chadwick, Chief Executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “These figures are a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.
“Lung cancer takes more lives than any other cancer, but with earlier diagnosis and access to the right treatments, we can change this story.
“Screening is already proving it can save lives. Yet without a bold and fully funded National Cancer Plan, we risk losing momentum and failing the people who need us most. The government must act now – lung cancer patients cannot afford to wait.”
A blueprint for action
The One Cancer Voice coalition has outlined six essential tests the government’s National Cancer Plan must meet, including:
- Meeting all cancer waiting time targets by 2029.
- Setting a new earlier diagnosis target and expanding screening programmes.
- Tackling key risk factors, particularly smoking, through strong prevention policies.
- Ensuring access to world-class treatments and tackling inequalities in care.
- Improving access to clinical trials and positioning the NHS as a leader in cancer research.
- Providing practical and emotional support to everyone living with and beyond cancer.
The coalition also stresses that prevention will be key. Tobacco remains the leading cause of cancer and premature death in the UK. Charities are urging the government to swiftly pass the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, alongside measures to reduce obesity and strengthen HPV vaccination.
Former National Cancer Director at the Department of Health and Chair of the National Screening Committee, Professor Sir Mike Richards, said: “Our previous NHS Cancer Plan was instrumental in improving cancer outcomes, and this one gives us a huge opportunity to make England one of the best countries in the world for cancer survival.
“But to make this happen it’s essential that the plan has consistent funding, so that the changes we know will save lives from cancer are able to be introduced. This will save money in the long term and ensure a better future for generations to come.”