New fund to tackle cancer screening inequalities across England.

A three-year Neighbourhood Early Diagnosis Fund, included in ring-fenced cancer funding for 2026-27, will support local NHS partnerships to reduce screening inequalities and promote earlier cancer diagnosis in deprived and underserved areas.

A new three-year fund will focus on reducing cancer screening inequalities across England. It forms part of the National Cancer Plan and is included in ring-fenced cancer funding for 2026-27. The aim is to help detect cancer earlier in deprived and underserved areas and reduce postcode variation in care. Officials say the measure builds on recent increases in early diagnosis and existing mobile screening initiatives. Key facts: - The Neighbourhood Early Diagnosis Fund will run for three years and is part of wider ring-fenced cancer funding totalling £200 million for 2026-27. - The fund is aimed at reducing differences in screening uptake between the most and least deprived areas and addressing postcode variation in cancer outcomes. - From 2026, Cancer Alliances and neighbourhood health services will work with local communities, screening commissioners and providers to develop targeted campaigns and programmes. - Data from March 2021 to December 2023 showed premature death rates due to cancer were 208 per 100,000 in Blackpool and 104 per 100,000 in Harrow, a reported difference of 101%. - Examples cited include mobile lung screening in Greater Manchester, which has diagnosed more than 1,200 patients (around 80% at an early stage), and a mobile breast screening unit in North and Central Liverpool aimed at improving access. Summary: The fund is intended to support Cancer Alliances and local services to work with community groups and charities to identify barriers to screening and design targeted campaigns to narrow uptake gaps. From 2026, regional partnerships and neighbourhood health services will begin developing and delivering these community-focused programmes.