Women with breast cancer could be spared 10 hospital visits during radiotherapy through government-backed research, as well as benefit from action to diagnose cancer earlier and strengthen patient support.
\n\nMore than 1,000 people have joined a government-funded trial, testing whether breast cancer radiotherapy can be safely cut from three weeks to just five days.
\n\nThe FAST-Forward Boost trial is running at 39 hospitals across the UK and will test a shorter course of radiotherapy with an additional targeted dose, known as a boost, to help prevent breast cancer returning.
\n\nThe milestone comes as Ashley Dalton MP, who is living with metastatic breast cancer, is appointed as an adviser on delivery of the National Cancer Plan to help ensure patients’ experiences shape decisions on cancer care. Ms Dalton stepped down from her role as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention on March 2, 2026, to manage her health and treatment side effects.
\n\nAs Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, figures show more women are taking up their first breast screening invitation than at any point in the past decade, with uptake reaching 63.6%. However, around four in 10 women invited for the first time do not attend.
\n\nHealth and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper is urging women who receive an invitation to take up the potentially life-saving offer.
\n\nHealth and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
\n\n\n\n\nThis trial shows how the UK is using our world beating research capabilities to pursue huge improvements and transformations in cancer treatment for patients in our NHS.
\n\nThis programme is aiming to radically shorten the treatment times for breast cancer - to support patients and save more lives. The UK is home to some of the best medical research and clinical expertise in the world, and this trial is the latest example of what we can achieve when we bring them together.
\n\nBetter cancer care also means listening to those who know what it means to live with it.
\n\nThat’s why Ashley Dalton’s appointment as adviser on the National Cancer Plan is so important. Her personal experience of cancer, alongside her previous experience at the Department of Health and Social Care, will help ensure the Plan reflects the realities of people living with cancer.
\n
Ashley Dalton MP said:
\n\n\n\n\nIt’s a real honour to be appointed the Government’s Cancer Advisor. Publishing the National Cancer Plan was a huge professional and personal achievement of mine and I have been determined to ensure that the commitments in it are driven forward.
\n\nNow I can do this in a more formal way, working directly with the responsible Minister, James Frith.
\n\nMy time as Health Minister taught me so much, and so has living with metastatic breast cancer. I want to use my experiences in the best way I can, to support the commitment in the National Cancer Plan that by 2035, 3 out of 4 people diagnosed with cancer will be cancer free or living well with cancer after 5 years.
\n
Professor Lucy Chappell, Professor Lucy Chappell, NIHR CEO and DHSC Chief Scientific Adviser, said:
\n\n\n\n\nPlaying a major role in tackling some of the biggest killers, including breast cancer, is at the very heart of what we do. For 20 years, the NIHR has invested in studies like the FAST-Forward BOOST trial – funding high-quality research that transforms patient care in the NHS.
\n\nWe know the impact breast cancer treatment can have on patients and their families, and how the side effects of radiotherapy can affect people’s quality of life, even long after treatment has ended. Studies like this are crucial, as they aim to not only identify new treatment options which can be delivered swiftly and safely – but also minimise side effects, giving patient more time away from hospitals and with the people that they love.
\n
The trial is led by The Institute of Cancer Research, London and funded through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
\n\nIf successful, the approach could reduce travel costs and time away from work and family, while freeing up NHS capacity to treat more people.
\n\nThe government, in partnership with NIHR and NHS England, is also delivering trials of AI to support the analysis of mammograms and working with Breast Cancer Now over the next three years to help women recognise signs of cancer and access trusted information and support after treatment.
\n\nThe National Cancer Plan sets out action to find cancer earlier, improve treatment and ensure people living with cancer receive the best possible care and support.
\n\nProfessor Anna Kirby, Chief Investigator of the FAST-Forward Boost trial, based at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:
\n\n\n\n\nReaching 1,000 participants is a fantastic milestone. It reflects the commitment of patients and clinical teams across the UK to answering an important question about how we can improve breast radiotherapy for patients.
\n\nIt is particularly heartening to see so many women, at a challenging time in their own lives, choosing to take part in research that could help improve treatment for women with breast cancer in the future. We are incredibly grateful to every one of them.
\n
Rachael Franklin, Deputy Chief Executive at Breast Cancer Now, said:
\n\n\n\n\nIn England, around 30% of female breast cancers are diagnosed via screening, most at an early stage making it a vital part of early detection.
\n\nMaximising early diagnosis is essential as the earlier breast cancer is found the more likely treatment is to be successful. When diagnosed at stage 1 almost 100% of people survive for five years or more, compared with just 32% at stage 4.
\n\nAs the first partner of the Renewed Women’s Health Strategy, we’re pleased to see the government today committing to step up action against breast cancer and we look forward to seeing the results of this new radiotherapy trial.
\n
| The Royal Marsden Hospital, London | \n
| The Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton | \n
| Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge | \n
| Christie Hospital (Manchester) | \n
| Royal Surrey County Hospital | \n
| Churchill Hospital, Oxford | \n
| Singleton Hospital, Swansea | \n
| Royal Free Hospital, London | \n
| James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough | \n
| Royal Berkshire Hospital | \n
| Charing Cross Hospital, London | \n
| Southampton General Hospital | \n
| Western General Hospital, Edinburgh | \n
| St. John’s Hospital, Livingston | \n
| Barts (St Bartholomew’s Hospital), London | \n
| The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre | \n
| Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley | \n
| Clatterbridge Cancer Centre | \n
| Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth | \n
| University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire | \n
| Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield | \n
| Royal Shrewsbury Hospital | \n
| Belfast City Hospital | \n
| Peterborough City Hospital | \n
| Northampton General Hospital | \n
| Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary | \n
| Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham | \n
| Borders General Hospital | \n
| University Hospital Crosshouse, Kilmarnock | \n
| West Middlesex University Hospital | \n
| University Hospital Hairmyres | \n
| St James’s University Hospital, Leeds | \n
| Guy’s Hospital, London | \n
| Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre | \n
| Ipswich Hospital | \n
| Forth Valley Royal Hospital | \n
| University College Hospital, London | \n
| Ealing Hospital | \n
| Mount Vernon Cancer Centre | \n
The Secretary of State is responsible for the work of the Department of Health and Social Care, including:
\n\n