Timely cancer diagnosis ‘shouldn’t be a question of luck’ says Streeting

The Health Secretary has asserted that securing a timely cancer diagnosis "shouldn't be a question of luck," as he announced a substantial funding injection to facilitate patient checks closer to home.

The government is investing £237 million into new and improved community diagnostic centres (CDCs) across England. Wes Streeting described the new CDCs as "part of the biggest expansion in NHS diagnostics in a generation."

“The NHS delivered a record number of tests and scans last year but there’s still a long way to go before we’re catching disease on time,” Mr Streeting said.

“The NHS should be there for all of us when we need it, catching illness earlier so we can treat it faster.”

The investment will lead to four new CDCs in Gorton, Luton, Boston and Bideford, which will open in 2026/27.

Some 17 CDCs will be expanded and 15 will receive enhancements to boost diagnostic capacity, the Department of Health and Social Care said.

Mr Streeting went on: “These new CDCs are part of the biggest expansion in NHS diagnostics in a generation – continuing the progress we’re making and helping save lives.

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Source: The Independent, 14 April 2026