Warning of 6.3 million cancer cases in the next 15 years

Health & Fitness
27 Aug 2025 • 4:41 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Cancer charity coalition One Cancer Voice projects that 6.3 million cancer diagnoses could be made in England by 2040, representing a 14.2 per cent rise from the previous 15 years.
  • Experts attribute this anticipated surge, which would see a diagnosis every two minutes, to an ageing population and lifestyle choices.
  • One Cancer Voice is urging the government to implement immediate measures, including setting early diagnosis targets and strengthening cancer prevention policies, to address the impending crisis.
  • The charities warn that this significant increase in cases will place immense pressure on already-strained NHS cancer services, despite improving survival rates.
  • They have outlined six "tests" for the upcoming national cancer plan, including meeting waiting times, improving screening, addressing inequalities, and ensuring consistent funding to save lives.

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