Representatives of the One Cancer Voice coalition of over 60 cancer charities gathered on Wednesday 27 August 2025 to campaign for a comprehensive, fully funded National Cancer Plan.
New analysis shows that by 2040, around 6.3 million new cancer cases are expected across England. Despite progress in survival, which has doubled since the 1970s, the rising number of cases will put more pressure on an already overstretched NHS.
To highlight the importance of the National Cancer Plan, One Cancer Voice members built a giant jigsaw puzzle outside the Houses of Parliament. Each piece, in a charity's brand colour, featured specific cancer statistics or a key message on one side. Once all the pieces were put together, they were flipped over to reveal a unified message about the projected 6.3 million cancer cases by 2040.
With the National Cancer Plan for England expected later this year, the One Cancer Voice coalition has outlined six essential steps the plan must meet to effectively tackle cancer:
1. Pledge to meet all cancer wait times by 2029 (the end of this Parliament)
2. Set a new earlier diagnosis target, improve screening programmes and support primary care to reduce later stage cancer diagnosis
3. Introduce strong prevention policies, tackling major risk factors
4. Ensure every patient receives the best possible treatment and inequalities are addressed
5. Improve access to clinical trials for cancer patients, positioning the NHS as the world leader for cancer research and innovation
6. Support everyone to live well with and beyond cancer with practical and emotional support embedded in NHS cancer care
Lymphoma Action is particularly pleased that One Cancer Voice is calling for public awareness campaigns to boost symptom awareness and support for GPs to aid earlier diagnosis.
When charities join forces, they become a powerful voice that governments and other decision makers find it hard to ignore. Lymphoma Action is proud to stand with our fellow members of One Cancer Voice to ensure the National Cancer Plan delivers for everyone affected by cancer.