Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance has published its Early Diagnosis Strategy 2026–2029, setting out how the system will accelerate earlier cancer diagnosis, improve outcomes and narrow health inequalities across our population.
Building on progress achieved towards the ambition outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan that 75% of cancers should be diagnosed at Stage I or II by 2028, the Strategy aims to save thousands of lives and allow cancer patients to have a better quality of life while living with the disease.
Between 2019 and 2024, in Cheshire and Merseyside, early diagnosis rates rose from 54.2% to 59.8% and the Strategy aims to continue this good work across the system, with key actions spanning the whole pathway.
Aligned to new ambitions in the new National Plan for England, the strategy also aims to reduce late-stage (Stage III-IV) and emergency presentations, particularly in our most deprived communities.
Projects to support better early diagnosis will include strengthening community partnerships; further targeted campaigns to support timely presentation and increased prevention messaging; improving primary care pathways through PCN-DES support, education and intelligence-led PRACTICE dashboards; and optimising referral routes via standardised templates, pathway audits and targeted innovation such as direct access services and intelligent blood testing.
The Lung Cancer Screening Programme remains a major driver of earlier diagnosis, especially in Cheshire and Merseyside where lung cancer is prevalent, with full rollout planned for our sub-region by March 2029.
Across all workstreams, a focus on data, evaluation, innovation and research – with an emphasis on reducing health inequalities in our communities – will help deliver faster, fairer diagnosis and sustained improvement in outcomes beyond 2028.
Read the Strategy here: https://
