Cancer remains one of the most pressing challenges facing our health system today. Survival rates have improved in recent years, but too many people still experience delays in diagnosis, inconsistency in treatment, and barriers to accessing the latest innovations in care. Liberal Democrats are clear that the NHS must be equipped not only to treat cancer effectively, but also to prevent, detect and manage it earlier - across all communities and cancer types. This is why we’re eager to introduce a new prostate cancer screening program and pass a cancer survival research act to coordinate and ensure funding for research into cancers with low survival rates. 

Our approach starts with rebuilding the foundations of the NHS, which for too long has been under-resourced and overstretched. We are calling for urgent action to restore speedy access to GPs and diagnostic services. Far too many people are facing unacceptable waits for appointments, which can delay the detection of serious illness and reduce treatment options. We are committed to recruiting more GPs and reforming the system to ensure that patients can get the right help, first time - particularly when it comes to identifying less common or complex conditions.

Once cancer is suspected or diagnosed, timely access to treatment is essential. The Liberal Democrats have proposed a new legal guarantee that every patient should begin treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral. This is not just a number but a safeguard that recognises how critical early treatment is to survival and quality of life. To meet this standard, we support significant investment in cancer infrastructure, including radiotherapy equipment, specialist nurses, and support services that can reduce delays and improve outcomes.

We also believe the NHS must do more to ensure that patients have access to the most effective and advanced treatments. That includes reducing the time it takes for new drugs to reach patients and making sure that regulatory processes are fair and responsive to patient need. Decisions about treatment access should reflect the lived experience of those with incurable cancers and balance clinical and quality-of-life considerations appropriately.

Crucially, we must also strengthen cancer prevention and early detection. The next National Cancer Plan must embed a more proactive approach, with targeted screening and clear public information, particularly for groups currently under-served by the system. We have called for a renewed focus on narrowing health inequalities and ensuring that everyone - regardless of background or postcode - has access to the care and support they need.

Cancer will touch almost every family in some way, and the stakes could not be higher. I want to build an NHS that is ready to meet this challenge: with faster diagnosis, fairer access to treatment, and more joined-up support for patients throughout their care.

Alongside this national picture, I’m also working to improve access to healthcare locally. One of the key priorities has been supporting the creation of integrated health hubs - bringing GP services, community care, mental health support and diagnostics together under one roof. These hubs are designed to ease pressure on existing services, reduce delays in accessing care, and give patients more joined-up support, particularly in areas where GP access has become increasingly difficult. After years of campaigning, Newhaven’s health hub is set to begin operation next year, construction of a health hub is soon to begin in Polegate/Willingdon, and I am continuing to campaign for further hubs to be delivered in Seaford and Lewes. Strengthening local infrastructure like this is a vital step in building a health system that works better for everyone.