[Comment] A major conditions strategy cannot replace a national cancer plan—patient advocates voice their concerns

The UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Stephen Barclay, has set out plans for an alternative approach to cancer service provision based on a major conditions strategy.1 The six areas for inclusion in the strategy are cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, dementia, mental health, and musculoskeletal disorders. All these areas are priorities for a national health strategy but is lumping them all together an effective route to success in treating them? As patients and patient advocates, we do not consider that this approach is wise, either for people with these diseases or for the National Health Service (NHS).