Cancer 2020

In June 2006, Cancer Research UK launched the Cancer 2020 campaign, urging politicians responsible for the NHS in the four nations of the UK to plan now for the future challenges facing cancer services.

Cancer Research UK commissioned the King's Fund, an independent health think tank, to write a report titled "Future Trends and Challenges for Cancer Services in England", which was published on Thursday 24 August, 2006.

In response to the report, Professor Alex Markham, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: "This report reminds us that the 2000 NHS Cancer Plan has been massively successful in transforming cancer services in England, delivering impressive results in the areas it targeted. But it also underlines the necessity of updating the Cancer Plan to continue to improve services over the next decade.

"An ageing population, the resulting likelihood of a higher incidence of cancer, and more sophisticated and expensive treatments all mean that now is precisely the time when the NHS should be planning for the longer term. If patients are going to benefit from the advances that Cancer Research UK’s work contributes to, then it is essential politicians start considering their strategies for the future now. I would strongly encourage people to consider the messages in the King's Fund report and to sign our ‘Cancer 2020’ petition to add their voices to our vital campaign."

24 August 2006