Macmillan Highlights Urgent Need for Equitable Cancer Care Access

Macmillan Cancer Support is raising alarms about a significant disparity in cancer care across the UK, impacting nearly 1.4 million patients. The charity describes the situation as a “cancer postcode lottery,” where 40 percent of individuals with cancer struggle to access essential treatment and care based on their location. This inequity often forces patients to endure long journeys, incur extra costs, and face heightened stress to receive the necessary treatment.

The consequences of this disparity are dire. Macmillan warns that approximately 100,000 lives could be at risk, with survey data indicating that 3 percent of cancer patients have had to decline critical tests or treatments due to their distance from healthcare services. Dr. Anthony Cunliffe, Macmillan’s Lead Medical Adviser, emphasized the need for immediate action. “We need to see urgent action taken to make cancer care fair. Everyone with cancer should get the best possible care the UK has to offer,” he stated.

Inconsistencies in Treatment Access

Macmillan’s analysis reveals alarming inconsistencies in the availability of established treatments and the implementation of innovative approaches. If waiting times for cancer treatment in the UK matched those of the best-performing regions, an estimated 60,000 more patients could receive timely treatment each year. This discrepancy not only affects patient outcomes but also impacts recovery and overall quality of life.

Lisa Martin, a 45-year-old cancer survivor from Lancashire, shared her personal experience. Diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2018, she received robotic surgery, which she credits with saving her life. “All I can say is that I was in the right place, at the right time and was given the option to explore robotic surgery – without that, I don’t think I would still be here today,” Martin explained. Her surgery, lasting just 45 minutes, helped her avoid the complications associated with more radical procedures.

In stark contrast, Shaun Doherty, a 38-year-old from Strabane, Northern Ireland, underwent traditional surgery for his head and neck cancer in 2025. He expressed regret over the limited options available to him, saying, “This treatment was the only option available to me, and I’d never even heard of robotic surgery until recently.” The impact of his surgery has been life-altering; he noted changes to his jaw structure that affect his ability to chew, as well as altered sensations that complicate intimate moments with his partner.

Call to Action for Health Providers

Macmillan Cancer Support is actively working to enhance cancer care through research, partnerships, and an increase in specialist services. Nevertheless, the charity is urging governments and health providers across the UK to address these inequalities in diagnosis and treatment.

For those seeking information, support, or someone to talk to, Macmillan Cancer Support can be reached at 0808 808 00 00 or through their website at macmillan.org.uk/whateveryouneed.

The disparities highlighted by Macmillan underscore a pressing need for reforms that ensure all cancer patients receive equitable access to vital healthcare services, regardless of their location.