Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity Welcomes the UK National Cancer Plan and Highlights the Growing Need for Long-Term Support 

Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity welcomes the launch of the UK Government’s National Cancer Plan, which sets out an ambitious vision to transform cancer outcomes through earlier diagnosis, faster treatment and innovation across the NHS. 

On the eve of the release of the Government’s National Cancer Plan, Future Dreams welcomed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, who is currently being treated for secondary breast cancer to Future Dreams House.   

Ms Dalton had surgery for metastatic breast cancer in July 2024, having been first diagnosed with the disease in 2014. She joined a table discussion with a group of other women talking about their personal experiences of navigating the illness. 

Ms Dalton has been instrumental in the creation of the National  Cancer Plan unveiled today (Weds Feb 4) which has set goals to innovate across the NHS with  faster diagnosis, quicker treatment, and  support to live well with cancer. This ambitious vision is welcomed by Future Dreams.

Government’s National Cancer Plan

The plan’s commitment that 75% of people diagnosed with cancer from 2035 will be cancer-free or living well five years after diagnosis represents meaningful progress and reflects the importance of sustained investment in cancer services. For people facing breast cancer, improved early detection and reduced waiting times are especially significant, helping to ease uncertainty and distress at one of the most difficult moments of their lives.  

Future Dreams also welcomes the plan’s focus on innovation and the use of AI, which has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, streamline care pathways and support clinicians to make faster, more informed decisions. Future Dreams is already funding groundbreaking research at the University of Cambridge, investigating whether AI screening can identify women at higher risk of developing breast cancer. This pioneering work could help shape the future of the UK screening programme, enabling earlier diagnosis and more personalised care. 

As more people are diagnosed earlier and live longer after breast cancer, Future Dreams highlights the importance of recognising that the impact of breast cancer extends far beyond diagnosis and treatment alone. 

This need for ongoing support is reflected in the charity’s own community. 40% of people who visit Future Dreams have already completed active treatment, highlighting that many continue to seek emotional, psychological and practical support long after hospital care has ended.  

Despite the growing demand for these services, Future Dreams receives no government funding. While the National Cancer Plan rightly prioritises diagnosis and treatment, the charity notes that specialist support services like Future Dreams play a crucial role in helping people live well after breast cancer and must continue to be part of the wider conversation as survival rates improve. 

Future Dreams looks forward to continued collaboration with government, the NHS and partners across the sector to ensure that long-term, holistic support is recognised as an essential part of the cancer care pathway – today and in the years to come. 

Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity is the only dedicated breast cancer support service of its kind supporting people across the UK. The charity offers a wide range of in-person and online services, providing practical, emotional and psychological support for those impacted by breast cancer – from diagnosis, through treatment, and for many years beyond. This includes tailored support for people living with secondary breast cancer, alongside investment in groundbreaking research and the promotion of breast health awareness. 

For media enquiries, please contact media@futuredreams.org.uk