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The NHS Cancer plan: a plan for investment, a plan for reform

The NHS Plan (July 2000) presents the government's strategy for investment and reform across the NHS, and gives cancer services high priority. This document provides a detailed account of the government's comprehensive national programme for investment in and reform of cancer services in England, which aims to reduce death rates and improve prospects of survival and quality of life for cancer sufferers by improving prevention, promoting early detection and effective screening practice, and guaranteeing high quality treatment and care throughout the country. The Cancer Plan is particularly committed to addressing health inequalities through setting new national and local targets for the reduction of smoking rates, the setting of new targets for the reduction of waiting times, the establishment of national standards for cancer services, and investment in specialist palliative care, the expansion and development of the cancer workforce, cancer facilities, and cancer research.

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• The NHS Cancer Plan: a plan for investment, a plan for reform