The Living with and Beyond Cancer programme aims to ensure people affected by cancer receive the help and support they need to live as full, healthy and active a life as possible both during and after cancer treatment.
As well as dealing with the physical effects of a cancer diagnosis, many people face other psychological difficulties such as worry, anxiety, depression and psychosocial challenges. Care and support will vary from person to person and should be tailored to their own specific needs and those of their family and loved ones.
More people are living for longer following a cancer diagnosis, reflecting continued advances in prevention, earlier diagnosis, treatment and supportive care.
Across the UK, around half of people diagnosed with cancer are now expected to survive for 10 years or more, although outcomes vary substantially by cancer type, stage at diagnosis and population group.
The number of people living with and beyond cancer is expected to continue to rise substantially. The latest projections estimate that the UK cancer population will increase from around 3.5 million in 2025 to 5 million by 2040. Many of these people living with a cancer diagnosis are older and may have other health conditions too.
Our ambitions will be delivered in a way that improves quality of life outcomes; improves patient experience outcomes; reduces variation, and reduces inequalities.
