Ovarian Cancer

I am committed to improving cancer care for patients across England, including those suffering from ovarian cancer and other gynaecological cancers. That is why I was pleased to see NHS England commission an audit on ovarian cancer, ensuring patients have access to the best treatments available. I understand the audit’s report was published in September 2024, and officials across NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care are considering its findings.

I am also pleased that the Government is supporting the Rare Cancers Bill. During the development of this Bill, a wide range of research and evidence has been considered, and I believe it will make it easier for clinical trials into rare cancers, such as ovarian cancer, to take place in England by making sure that patients can be easily contacted by researchers. The Bill is currently making its way through the House of Lords, and I assure you I will continue to monitor any further developments.

I know improving diagnosis rates and access to treatment for all cancer types are key priorities for this Government. That is why I support the NHS’s work to improve public awareness of cancer signs and symptoms, streamline referral routes, and increase diagnostic capacity through the roll-out of more community diagnostic centres.

In addition, I am delighted to see NHS productivity has increased by 2.7% over the past year. Waiting lists have been cut by 220,000, more than five million extra appointments have been delivered, and an additional 2,000 GPs have been recruited to make it easier to book appointments.

In due course, the Government’s national cancer plan will be published. It will cover the entirety of the cancer pathway, from referral and diagnosis to treatment and ongoing care, as well as prevention, research and innovation. It will seek to improve every aspect of care to improve outcomes for people with cancer and will build on the three shifts set out by the 10 Year Health Plan for England. These shifts will enable rapid progress on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, as well as supporting those living with cancer to better manage their condition and improve their quality of life.