Government bid to end ‘postcode lottery’ for cancer-detecting tech
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national cancer director (Image provided by NHS England)
The government has announced that it is investing in technology and AI to spot cancers earlier in a bid to help end the ‘postcode lottery’ of care for cancer patients.
Currently, the latest cancer-detecting technology is concentrated in major cities, leaving patients in rural and coastal areas behind.
From April 2027, new tests, devices and digital tools will go through the same approval process as medicines, meaning that science and innovations will be used to detect cancer sooner and help rollout breakthroughs to the regions faster.
Wes Streeting, health secretary said: “For too long, your chances of seeing a doctor and catching cancer early have depended on where you live. That’s not fair and has to stop.
“I am determined to end the health inequalities that have grown across England over the last 15 years. We’re training more doctors in the communities that need them most and making sure the latest cancer detection technology reaches every corner of the country.
“Faster diagnosis doesn’t just save lives – it gets people back to work and back to their families sooner.”
The first technologies to be assessed under the new model include a ‘sponge on a string’ test that detects early signs of oesophageal cancer, smart software analysing tissue samples for prostate and breast cancer, AI that reads chest X-rays to help GPs catch suspected lung cancer sooner, and new techniques to help women with unexplained vaginal bleeding get faster answers on endometrial cancer.
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will begin assessing the first two technologies this year, with the remaining two to follow as further evidence emerges.
Professor Jonathan Benger, chief executive at NICE, said: “When NICE was founded 26 years ago, it set out to end the postcode lottery in access to medicines. We’re now extending that same clarity and fairness to HealthTech.
“These reforms mean that clinically and cost-effective medical devices, diagnostics and digital tools will start to be reimbursed and made available consistently across the NHS.
“This will give patients faster access to proven technologies and ensure NHS resources are spent where they make the greatest difference.”
The National Cancer Plan, developed in partnership with cancer charities, patient groups and clinicians, including Macmillan Cancer Support, will also introduce new training places targeted at trusts with the biggest workforce gaps – prioritising rural and coastal areas.
Working with the royal colleges, the government will encourage more doctors to specialise in clinical and medical oncology, to help boost the number of cancer specialists in underserved areas.
Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said: “The NHS is increasing cancer specialist training places in areas of most need as well as working closely with the Royal Colleges to bring more doctors into oncology training – ensuring the pipeline of much needed specialists for the future.
“We’re rolling out services, treatments and technology across the country so you will be able to access world-class cancer specialists and the latest treatments that are right for you, no matter where you live.”
