83. Can the NHS deliver its new National Cancer Plan?

83. Can the NHS deliver its new National Cancer Plan?

Author: Steve Brine & James Bethell February 5, 2026 Duration: 50:27

A special episode this week of the health and politics podcast, Prevention is the new cure, as Ministers finally publish the National Cancer Plan.


Steve & James talk exclusively to NHS National Clinical Director, Professor Peter Johnson, about the ambition which says 75% of people diagnosed from 2035 will survive long term and meeting the 62-days cancer waiting time standard by the end of this Parliament. In a wide-ranging conversation, they also talk wider cancer prevention, multi-cancer detection tests and the cancer workforce.


And Professor Johnson responds to today's story that testing menstrual blood for signs of cervical cancer could be a new and accurate way of screening for the disease.


In their look at this week's main news in health and politics, the former Ministers consider reports in The Times (£) which claim an 86,000 drop in waiting lists heralded by Ministers was achieved only by removing thousands of patients from the waiting list through a process known as ‘validation'. And they consider the political implications of the BMA's ballot renewal which could see further strike action by Resident Doctors.


You can find former episodes via Podfollow and get us on all our social media channel via LinkTr.


Please remember to follow our show and thanks for listening!


Co-hosts: Steve Brine & James Bethell

Episode producer: Calum Macdonald


This episode is produced as part of the Shortbread Media family of podcasts.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Prevention is the New Cure is a health and politics podcast hosted by former UK Health Ministers Steve Brine & James Bethell. Drawing on their experience inside government, they unpack how political decisions shape the NHS, public health, fitness, and everyday wellbeing. Each week, listeners can expect thoughtful conversations on prevention - from tackling chronic disease and obesity to mental health, social care, and the future of healthcare funding. With candid reflections, behind-the-scenes insight, and expert guests, the show explores what needs to change so that staying well becomes as important as treating illness. Whether you follow health policy, work in the system, or just care about living longer, healthier lives, this is your place to listen episodes that challenge, inform, and inspire.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 96

Prevention is the New Cure
Podcast Episodes
4. Smoking and vaping special w/ Deborah Arnott [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:50
Episode 4 of Prevention is the new cure sees Steve and Helen talk ongoing industrial action by junior doctors, the infected blood inquiry and Parkinson's, as well as welcoming their second guest onto the show in the form…
3. Strikes, laughing gas and Steve's dream [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:50
Steve and Helen talk junior doctor strikes, the issues surrounding Nitrous Oxide and open the Pod Surgery to cover alcohol harm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2. Cancer special w/ Cally Palmer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:25
Steve and Helen welcome their first guest onto the podcast as they talked cancer with the National Cancer Director, Dame Cally Palmer. Steve and Helen also gave their immediate budget reactions and discussed the junior d…
1. Podcast from across the pond [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:22
Helen and Steve talk end of life care, technology, cancer and open the "pod surgery" to talk diabetes, obesity and dentistry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pilot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:08
Helen and Steve talk strikes, prevention and the start of an interactive "pod surgery". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

«1...678910