Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to improve the early diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancers.

Improving the early diagnosis of rare cancers, including neuroendocrine cancers, is a priority for the Government. In February, the Government published the first ever National Cancer Plan with a dedicated chapter on rare cancers.

The Government is committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment in new capacity, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanners.

Neuroendocrine cancers benefit from system‑wide early diagnosis initiatives, including non‑specific symptoms pathways, and expanded diagnostic capacity through community diagnostic centres. NHS England has rolled out non‑specific symptom pathways nationally, designed to support patients whose symptoms do not clearly align with a single urgent cancer referral route, which particularly benefits rarer cancers such as neuroendocrine cancers.

NHS England recognises that cross sectional imaging, such as CT and/or MRI scanning in particular, play a crucial role in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancers. Whilst there is still more work to do, NHS England continues to prioritise and support access to CT/MRI scanning services through targeted capital investment which over the last five years has contributed to a 37% increase in CT scanners and a 33% increase in MRI scanners across the country.

In addition to imaging, the diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancer relies on a combination of biochemical tests, including blood and urine markers, and histopathological confirmation, typically obtained via biopsy. As part of broader efforts to strengthen diagnostic services, NHS England is investing in histopathology modernisation, including automation and digital pathology, to support improvements in diagnostic accuracy, timeliness, and equitable access to high-quality care.

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence's (NICE’s) guideline makes recommendations by site of the suspected cancer that clinicians should use to guide referral for specialist opinion.

We will increase access to the best innovative cancer treatments for all. The Cancer Drugs Fund has helped to ensure that, according to industry data, patients in England receive new cancer treatments 50% faster than the European Union average, and it will continue to provide earlier access to promising new treatments. By April 2026, a joint process between NICE and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will boost the speed of decisions on the licensing and appraisal of medicines, so that recommendations for the NHS to fund new drugs can be made faster.

Patients with rare cancers will benefit from a move to specialist, multi-disciplinary teams, that cover multiple healthcare providers. This will allow them to benefit from the input of specialist centres and access to the best evidence-based care. The Department is exploring novel procurement routes for diagnostics and treatments for rare cancers, such as advanced market commitments, to stimulate innovation in cancer treatments.

Where appropriate, every person diagnosed with cancer will have access to personalised care, including needs assessment, a care plan, and health and wellbeing information and support. This includes provision of information, empowering people to manage their care and the impact of their cancer. Personalised care ensures that each person’s care is planned holistically, covering mental and physical health as well as any practical or financial concerns. NHS England is committed to ensuring that all cancer patients get access to these interventions ensuring care is focused on what matters most to each person.

Cancer Alliances play a key role in transforming care and support for patients, working closely with the wider health and care system.