Early cancer diagnosis improves in Sussex as NHS launches new national plan
Rise in early-stage diagnosis highlights progress in prevention and screening
In Sussex, 62.24% of cancers are being diagnosed at stages one or two, when treatment is more likely to succeed due to the disease being less advanced. This marks an improvement from last year’s rate of 59.9%, demonstrating continued efforts to raise awareness and ensure faster access to checks, tests, and screening.
Significant progress in Sussex
The South East region, including Sussex, is ranked second in England for the Faster Diagnosis Standard, with 81% of patients receiving either a diagnosis or an all-clear within 28 days of referral for suspected cancer, compared to the nationwide target of 75%.
Much of Sussex’s progress is supported by initiatives designed to prevent cancer and identify it earlier, particularly among individuals at higher risk due to hereditary or lifestyle factors.
Key to these efforts is the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme, launched locally in June 2022, which offers free lung health checks and low-dose CT scans to eligible people at risk of lung cancer.
Between June 2022 and December 2025, 78,285 invitations led to 46,783 lung health checks and 22,364 CT scans, resulting in 277 cancers being diagnosed early. Many of these cancers were detected before symptoms developed, enabling earlier access to treatment.
One patient who benefitted from the programme is 71-year-old Ian Needham, a retired nursery practitioner from Brighton. After attending a lung health check in October 2023, a suspicious nodule was discovered, leading to surgery that caught the tumour early.
Ian said:
“If I hadn’t gone, I might not have known about the cancer for years, and by then it could have been too late.”
Challenges remain in treatment start times
While Sussex is achieving strong results in early diagnosis and screening, NHS Sussex acknowledged the need for improvement in meeting treatment start times, particularly the 62-day standard. Efforts to streamline cancer pathways and reduce delays are ongoing across local health systems.
Dr Amy Diasnayake, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Sussex, said:
“On World Cancer Day, it is important to highlight the difference that prevention and early diagnosis can make for people and families across Sussex.
“Lung cancer screening is a powerful example of bringing care closer to communities and diagnosing cancers earlier, often before symptoms develop, improving outcomes and saving lives.
“If you receive an invitation for a lung health check, I strongly encourage you to take it up. The check is quick, straightforward and it could save your life.”
Residents in Sussex are reminded to consult their GP practice if they are concerned about any potential cancer symptoms. Information on symptoms is also available on the NHS website.