The United Kingdom (UK) government has officially announced a national cancer plan offering each patient personalized support, based on their needs, covering treatment, mental health and employment support.
According to the new policy published on Wednesday 4 February 2026, the Government plans to connect patients with charitable cancer support via the National Health Service (NHS) app as soon as they receive a diagnosis.
The government says it plans to cover not only diagnosis and treatment, but also the full impact of the disease on the patient’s life, including anxiety and fatigue after treatment. It will also help patients access physiotherapy and counseling after completing treatment, to help them rebuild their lives.
UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting, who is himself a cancer survivor, said: “The plan aims to provide support and ensure no patient is left to face cancer alone,” adding: “This is the biggest change in the way we support cancer patients in a generation. »
The government plans to transform the NHS app so patients can use it to book screening appointments, view their patient records, check their personalized cancer plan and provide feedback on the care they received.
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He added that it was deeply personal as he lost his brother to cancer.
Prime Minister Starmer added: “I lost my brother to cancer. I was with him when he was diagnosed – a moment I will never forget. Throughout, the NHS respected him and looked after him. When he died, it hit me like a bus – even though I knew it was coming. I am determined that every person diagnosed with cancer has the best possible chance of beating it.”
