The Health Secretary has announced £5.1 million for the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Cancer Alliance, aimed at tackling the postcode lottery in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

We know that where you live should never determine how quickly you’re diagnosed or the care you receive. Yet for too long, people in more deprived areas have faced longer waits, fewer specialists, and poorer outcomes, with knock-on effects for families, livelihoods and our local economy.

There are signs of progress. Early diagnosis rates are now at their highest ever level, with around 10,000 more people diagnosed at the earliest stages in the last year alone. From 2026, Cancer Alliances will work much more closely with local communities, charities and neighbourhood health services to design targeted screening and early-diagnosis campaigns, focusing on areas where uptake has been lowest.

This funding is part of a wider £200 million package to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes, and I’m glad to see investment coming into our region.

I’ll be keeping a close eye on how this funding is used locally, and I’m looking forward to seeing the Government’s forthcoming National Cancer Plan, which should set out a clear, long-term strategy for tackling this disease.

If you’ve contacted me previously about cancer care, or if you’re experiencing issues now, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’ll continue pushing for fairer, faster and more effective care for everyone across Rother Valley.