and what it means for EGFR-positive lung cancer

The National Cancer Plan for England sets out a long-term ambition to improve cancer outcomes, with lung cancer identified as a major priority. For people living with EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer, several of the Plan’s commitments are particularly relevant and, if delivered effectively, could lead to meaningful improvements in care.

As the UK’s only charity representing the EGFR-positive lung cancer community, our focus is on how these ambitions translate into real-world benefits for people living with EGFR-positive lung cancer, including timely diagnosis, access to genomic testing, and equitable treatment across the NHS.

Earlier diagnosis through lung cancer screening

The Plan commits to completing the national rollout of lung cancer screening by 2030, building on evidence that targeted lung health checks significantly increase the proportion of cancers diagnosed at an earlier stage.

Earlier diagnosis matters for all people affected by lung cancer, including those with EGFR-positive disease. Identifying cancer sooner can widen treatment options and reduce the burden of advanced disease at diagnosis. The Plan’s emphasis on reaching underserved and higher-risk populations is also important in addressing long-standing inequalities in lung cancer outcomes.

Faster diagnostic pathways

Delays along the diagnostic pathway remain a major concern for people affected by lung cancer. The Plan outlines a number of system-wide measures intended to reduce waiting times, including:

Expanded Community Diagnostic Centres with longer opening hours
Wider use of AI-supported tools to speed up lung cancer diagnosis
Investment to improve histopathology turnaround times

For people with suspected lung cancer, these measures aim to shorten the time from referral to diagnosis and reduce unnecessary waits and appointments.

Genomic testing and personalised treatment

A central commitment of the Plan is that everyone who would benefit from a genomic test should receive one in a clinically relevant timeframe. This is particularly important for people with EGFR-positive lung cancer, where identifying an EGFR mutation is essential to guiding treatment decisions.

The Plan also highlights the growing role of liquid biopsy (ctDNA) testing, which can return results more quickly than traditional tissue testing in some cases. Faster access to accurate molecular results can help ensure people start the most appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

Access to treatment and innovation

The Plan includes commitments to speed up treatment decisions and support access to innovative therapies, including continued use of the Cancer Drugs Fund and closer alignment between regulatory approval and NHS adoption.

For the EGFR-positive lung cancer community, consistent access to targeted therapies (regardless of where someone lives) remains a key priority. Variation in access and delays in treatment can have a significant impact on outcomes and quality of life.

Turning ambition into impact

The National Cancer Plan sets out a positive and forward-looking vision for lung cancer care, with a strong emphasis on innovation, data and personalised medicine. For people affected by EGFR-positive lung cancer, the most important test will be delivery.

Ensuring that commitments on screening, diagnostics and genomic testing are implemented consistently across England will be essential if people are to see real improvements in their care and outcomes. As a charity, we will continue to represent the voices of people living with EGFR-positive lung cancer and to engage constructively with policymakers and the NHS as this Plan develops.

Our shared goal is clear: timely diagnosis, personalised treatment, and the best possible outcomes for everyone affected by EGFR-positive lung cancer.

Professor Gini Harrison, EGFR+ UK Research Trustee