Opinion

Shaun Walsh: Coalition Efforts Critical as England Faces Rising Cancer Burden

Shaun Walsh/LinkedIn

Aug 29, 2025, 10:44

Shaun Walsh: Coalition Efforts Critical as England Faces Rising Cancer Burden

Shaun Walsh, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigning at Cancer Research UK, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Coalition working can be hard but the benefits of being able to come together with others is powerful, impactful, and rewarding.

Yesterday over 60 cancer charities came together as part of the One Cancer Voice coalition with 6 tests and a clear call for the Government’s forthcoming (and welcomed) National Cancer Plan for England to be ambitious, funded and backed by strong political leadership and accountability.

Why now?

We can’t stand still. The plan is critical because we already lag behind other comparable countries in terms of cancer outcomes. Yesterday, we shared our projections that there will be over 6 million new cancer cases in England by 2040 – that’s a 14.2% increase on the previous 15 years. It is 1 diagnosis every 2 minutes.

The Department of Health and Social Care’s forthcoming National Cancer Plan led by The Rt. Hon. Wes Streeting MP, is a chance to get ahead of these numbers. The plan can be a defining moment, a turning point for cancer.

And this isn’t really about numbers. As I was reminded yesterday this is about people, it is about family, friends, colleagues. It is about the almost 1 in 2 people who will get cancer in their lifetime.

Our work together as a coalition, and the brilliant media support yesterday, helps amplify the voices of those affected by cancer. But our unity also reinforces our commitment to working with Government – to help ensure the forthcoming cancer plan meets the needs of cancer patients today and in the future. By working together, we will beat cancer.”

Proceed to the video attached to the post.

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