Good news · Health & science · 1 November 2026
Trial tests shorter breast cancer radiotherapy course
The Department of Health and Social Care announced that more than 1,000 people have joined a trial testing if breast cancer radiotherapy can be reduced from three weeks to five days. The programme is running at 39 hospitals across the UK.
The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that over 1,000 people have joined a government-funded trial designed to shorten breast cancer radiotherapy. The initiative tests whether the standard three-week treatment can be delivered over five days instead, potentially saving patients up to 10 hospital trips.
The trial is running at 39 hospitals across the UK and includes an additional targeted dose, known as a boost, to help prevent cancer returning. Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "This programme is aiming to radically shorten the treatment times for breast cancer - to support patients and save more lives."
Ashley Dalton MP has been appointed as an adviser on the delivery of the National Cancer Plan. She left her previous position as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention on March 2, 2026. Dalton described the new role as a real honour to be appointed the Government's Cancer Advisor.
Figures published with the announcement show that breast screening uptake has reached 63.6%, the highest level in the past decade. However, around four in 10 women invited for their first breast screening do not attend, prompting the Secretary to urge women to take up their invitations.
Written by StreetOwl from Department of Health and Social Care’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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