The National Cancer Board convened for its inaugural meeting today, 21 September 2026, to provide national leadership and scrutinise improvements in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care. The board will assess progress against more than 100 commitments outlined in the government's National Cancer Plan, identifying areas that require further action.
The board includes dedicated expert leads for rare cancers, children and young people with cancer, and inequalities in cancer care. Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the independent board will help scrutinise progress and ensure the voice of cancer patients is heard.
Independent co-chair Anita Charlesworth will lead the board alongside Mark Cubbon from NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care. Other members include Dr Rob Metcalf for rare cancers, Dr Dianne Addei for inequalities, and Ashley Ball-Gamble for children and young people's cancers. The board is scheduled to meet quarterly and will release an annual assessment of its progress.