AXREM Industry Statement on the National Cancer Plan for England
05 February 2026
The publication of the National Cancer Plan marks an important moment for cancer services in England, setting out a long‑term ambition to transform outcomes through earlier diagnosis, faster treatment, and improved long‑term support for patients. The plan’s commitment to ensuring that three in four people diagnosed with cancer from 2035 onwards are cancer‑free or living well five years after diagnosis represents one of the most ambitious targets ever set for the NHS .
From an industry perspective, AXREM welcomes the clarity of direction and the recognition that achieving these goals will require significant investment in diagnostics, digital capability, and workforce expansion. The plan highlights the need for faster, data‑driven, and connected diagnostic pathways, including expanded genomic testing, robot‑assisted surgery, and strengthened community‑based diagnostic provision. These priorities align closely with the innovations and solutions our members are already delivering across imaging, radiotherapy and digital diagnostics.
We particularly support the plan’s emphasis on earlier detection and improved diagnostic capacity, which is essential if the NHS is to meet its waiting time standards by 2029 and address longstanding performance challenges in cancer pathways. Industry plays a critical role in enabling this shift through advanced imaging technologies, interoperable digital systems, AI‑enabled diagnostics and modernised equipment that supports faster, more accurate decision‑making.
AXREM also recognises the importance of the plan’s focus on prehabilitation and rehabilitation, now formally embedded as core components of cancer care for the first time. This holistic approach reinforces the need for integrated diagnostic and treatment pathways that support patients throughout their entire journey .
However, delivering on this vision will require sustained investment, clear implementation plans and close collaboration between government, the NHS and industry. The scale of ambition, particularly around early diagnosis and digital transformation cannot be achieved without modern equipment, robust infrastructure and a skilled workforce able to operate and optimise new technologies.
AXREM and its members stand ready to support the NHS in turning this plan into reality. We remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure that innovation, capacity and capability keep pace with the needs of patients and the ambitions of the National Cancer Plan.
Comment from Sally Edgington, CEO of AXREM:
“The National Cancer Plan sets a clear and ambitious direction, and industry stands ready to support its delivery. To achieve earlier diagnosis, modernised services and improved outcomes, it’s essential that government works closely with the companies providing the technologies and innovations that make this possible.
AXREM offers a direct, established route for meaningful engagement with our sector and we encourage government to use that partnership to ensure the plan is implemented effectively and sustainably. Our members are committed to playing their part, collaboration will be the key to turning ambition into real progress for patients.”
Comment from AXREM Chair, Huw Shurmer:
“The National Cancer Plan provides a welcome sense of direction and ambition for improving cancer outcomes across England. To deliver on this vision, it’s crucial that government actively involves the diagnostic and med‑tech industry at every stage of implementation.
AXREM represents the companies developing and supplying the technologies that underpin early detection, faster diagnosis and modern cancer pathways. Engaging with our members will ensure the NHS has access to the innovation, expertise and practical insight needed to turn this plan into meaningful progress for patients.
We look forward to constructive collaboration and to supporting the NHS in achieving the goals set out today.”