[Editorial] More needed to improve early cancer diagnosis

In May, 2024, NHS England released a Spring progress update for their Cancer Programme. The programme’s long-term plan, launched in 2019, sets out two ambitious goals: by 2028, the proportion of cancers diagnosed at stages 1 and 2 in England will rise to three-quarters of patients; and, through achieving this, 55 000 more people each year will survive their cancer for at least 5 years after diagnosis. These bold targets are based on three key priorities: earlier diagnosis, improving treatment and personalised care, and improving performance.