Wellbeing of Women responds to the publication of the National Cancer Plan for England

Janet Lindsay, Chief Executive of Wellbeing of Women, said:

“Wellbeing of Women welcomes the National Cancer Plan and its recognition that rare and less common cancers — including gynaecological cancers — remain too often overlooked and under‑researched. This is a vital step toward improving understanding, diagnosis and treatment for the more than 22,000 women diagnosed every year.

As charity funding lifesaving research, we’re proud to have invested over £9 million into gynaecological cancer research, so it’s encouraging to see the Plan’s strong focus on innovation and faster clinical trials. But there is still a long way to go to improve survival. Gynaecological cancer symptoms can be vague and easily missed or mistaken for other conditions, making early detection difficult. That’s why the Plan’s commitments to new technologies — including to improve the detection of endometrial cancer in women with postmenopausal bleeding — are so welcome.

We’re also pleased to see a clear focus on tackling health inequalities through community‑based action, targeted campaigns and co‑design with people who have lived experience — an approach we champion. Women from marginalised communities are more likely to be diagnosed late and experience worse outcomes, so tailored early‑diagnosis initiatives are essential. Grassroots organisations already act as trusted bridges to the NHS, and their involvement must be supported through meaningful partnership and sustainable funding. Improving health literacy must also address barriers such as language, especially where direct translations for gynaecological health terms don’t exist. Resources need to be accessible and inclusive, from easy‑read formats to larger print and sign‑language support.

We are particularly encouraged by the Plan’s more holistic approach to cancer care, including designing services around people’s lives. Better access to specialist nurses, improved continuity of care and more personalised support reflect what women consistently tell us they need. Too many still report fragmented care or feeling dismissed, so these commitments are a positive step forward.

Wellbeing of Women funded research that helped establish the link between HPV and cervical cancer, so we are pleased to see continued efforts to increase HPV vaccination uptake, especially in underserved groups. This will be crucial in achieving the NHS ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.

We’re proud to have worked with partners across Cancer52 and One Cancer Voice to help shape this Plan. Its ambitions are promising, and we look forward to working together to ensure they lead to real, measurable improvements. Delivery must now be driven with urgency and accountability — because when women live well and in good health, the whole of society benefits.”