Queen Victoria Hospital welcomes new National Cancer Plan to transform cancer care

Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (QVH) has welcomed the publication of the National Cancer Plan for England, which sets out a bold, long‑term vision to improve cancer survival, speed up diagnosis and ensure people receive the personalised support they need to live well after a cancer diagnosis.

The National Cancer Plan, published on World Cancer Day (4 February), closely aligns with QVH’s long‑established role as a regional specialist surgical cancer for skin, head and neck and breast cancer, supporting patients across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and the wider South East.

The Trust has seen an increase of more than 15% in urgent suspected cancer referrals so far this financial year, largely driven by a rise in skin cancer cases (15.7%). This continued growth highlights the vital importance of accessible specialist services for patients and the need for faster, reliable diagnostic capacity.

QVH is working closely with the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance, the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance, and the wider health system to strengthen cancer pathways, to support faster diagnostic decision‑making and ensure patients are seen promptly by specialist teams.

An important future step in improving access to faster diagnosis will come with the opening of its dedicated Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) building by Summer 2026, which will increase the tests and scans QVH can provide for local people, leading to faster referrals and earlier diagnosis. This aligns directly with the National Cancer Plan’s ambition to expand diagnostic services and modernise pathways, making it easier for patients to get the answers they need quickly.

The Plan also highlights the importance of personalised support to help people live well during and after cancer treatment. At QVH, this support is delivered through specialist cancer nurses, therapists and the dedicated QVH Macmillan Cancer Support & Information Centre, which provides emotional support, practical guidance, information and a welcoming space for patients and families throughout their cancer journey. These play a vital role in helping people understand their treatment, manage its impact and adjust to life afterward.

Commenting on the National Cancer Plan for England, Abigail Jago, Acting Chief Executive at Queen Victoria Hospital, said:

“The National Cancer Plan speaks directly to what our patients tell us they value most: being diagnosed quickly, receiving innovative and effective treatment, and having the right support to live well with and beyond cancer. We continue to see growing numbers of people with skin, head and neck and breast cancer needing our expertise throughout their journey and know how important cancer services are.

“We welcome the National Cancer Plan’s ambition and look forward to continuing our close partnership with the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance, Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance, and our system colleagues to bring its commitments to life for the communities we support.”

For more information please email the QVH Press Office at qvh.communications@nhs.net