Feb. 4, 2026 — The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has issued its initial reaction to the British government's recently-released National Cancer Plan for England.
The Plan reflects priorities long highlighted by the RCR, the body representing senior doctors responsible for cancer diagnosis and treatment, to:
- Embrace supportive oncology
- Reform multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs)
- Plan for the rollout of innovative radiotherapies and drug-based treatments
Dr. Nicky Thorp, Vice-President for Clinical Oncology at the RCR, said, “This National Cancer Plan is a huge milestone on the journey to transform cancer care in England. We are pleased to see the Plan commit to all the measures we have been calling for, including radical reform of inefficient multidisciplinary team meetings. We will lead this work to ensure that changes allow clinicians to deliver faster and more effective patient care.
"The government also backed our call to cut red tape on the latest, innovative cancer treatments, giving more eligible patients access to treatments that can mean less time in hospital and could improve quality of life. We welcome plans to expand supportive oncology services, which can improve cancer outcomes and reduce avoidable hospitalization by supporting patients’ physical, social and mental wellbeing alongside their cancer treatment," Thorp said..
"Plans to target more clinical oncology training posts in areas with the worst staff shortages and encourage more graduates to specialize in oncology are important steps to tackle inequalities. However, we must train up more radiologists and cancer doctors across the board, or else plans to increase scanning capacity, expand screening and spot cancer earlier risk exacerbating backlogs and delays," she continued. "The government has listened to the experts. Now, it must continue to work closely with frontline clinicians who are key to delivering its ambitions to improve cancer care across the country.”
The RCR plans to continue studying the detail of the Plan and share more in-depth analysis with members in due course.
October 21, 2026 
