Improving early cancer diagnosis in Cheshire and Merseyside

Early Diagnosis Strategy 2026-29

In 2025, more than 17,000 new cancer diagnoses were recorded in Cheshire and Merseyside, and this number is set to increase by around 400 additional cases each year.

Earlier this year, Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance published its Early Diagnosis Strategy 2026-29, setting out how the system will accelerate earlier cancer diagnosis, improve outcomes and narrow health inequalities across our population.

Between 2019 and 2024, in Cheshire and Merseyside, early diagnosis rates rose from 54.2% to 59.8%, and the strategy aims to continue this good work across the system.

Projects to support better early diagnosis will include strengthening community partnerships, further awareness campaigns to support timely presentation and prevention, improving primary care pathways through education and intelligence-led dashboards, and optimising referral routes.

The Lung Cancer Screening Programme also remains a major driver of earlier diagnosis, especially in Cheshire and Merseyside where lung cancer is prevalent, with full rollout planned for our sub-region by March 2029.