The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced the launch of a reformed National Cancer Board, which will scrutinise progress against the Government’s National Cancer Plan.
The Board held its first meeting on 21 September and will meet quarterly to monitor more than 100 commitments covering areas including earlier diagnosis, treatment, quality of life and reducing inequalities in cancer care.
It will be independently co-chaired by Anita Charlesworth and Mark Cubbon (from NHS England and Department of Health and Social Care), dedicated leads for rare cancers, children and young people, and inequalities in cancer care. The Board will publish an annual assessment of progress, with a more detailed review after three years.
The National Cancer Plan, published in February 2026, aims for three in four people diagnosed with cancer to be cancer-free or living well five years after diagnosis by 2035.
Chris Walden, CEO of Cancer52, welcomed the launch, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the needs of people with rare and less common cancers remain central to the Board’s work.
The Board’s progress on earlier diagnosis, cancer outcomes and reducing inequalities will be relevant to people affected by melanoma as the National Cancer Plan is implemented.
Read the full press release from the Department of Health and Social Care:
Expert team to drive improvements in cancer care
22 September 2026
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced the launch of a…
