The 2026 elections in Scotland and Wales came at a pivotal moment for cancer policy. Rising cancer cases, increasing pressure on health services and persistent inequalities mean both nations need to take urgent action.  

Cancer Research UK’s Turning Point for Cancer in Scotland and Wales campaigns called on all political parties to commit to lasting changes on prevention, earlier diagnosis, workforce capacity, research and tackling inequalities.  

The elections showed clear recognition across most parties that cancer must remain a top priority. As the new parliamentary terms begin — shaped by minority governments and many newly elected representatives — Cancer Research UK stands ready to work with governments, all political parties, the NHS and partners to ambition into action and help people in both nations live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. 

In this article, we break down the commitments made by political parties in Scotland and Wales on cancer policy, and what we want to see next.  

Scotland 

What’s encouraging for cancer policy in Scotland 

Cancer remained firmly on the agenda during the Scottish Parliament election, with almost all parties acknowledging that improving cancer outcomes remains one of Scotland’s biggest health challenges. 

The SNP emerged as the largest party and will continue as a minority government for a fifth term. The SNP manifesto reaffirmed commitments that closely align with Cancer Research UK’s priorities, including delivering the 10‑year cancer strategy, improving cancer waiting times, strengthening workforce capacity and supporting innovation and research. 

Other parties likely to influence a minority government — including the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Liberal Democrats — also emphasised improving cancer services, investing in prevention and addressing workforce challenges. This opens the door for cooperation around shared priorities, even within a more complex parliamentary landscape. 

There was also welcome political focus on prevention and inequalities. Smoking remains the leading cause of cancer in Scotland, and multiple parties highlighted the importance of public health action, including tobacco control and tackling wider drivers of ill health.  

The election also brought one of the largest intakes of new MSPs since devolution. While this represents a loss of experience, it also presents an important opportunity to engage early with a new cohort of parliamentarians, share evidence and expertise, and ensure cancer stays high on the political agenda. 

What we’d like to see more of in Scotland 

As the new Parliament begins its work, ambition must translate into delivery. 

Progress on funding and implementing the 10‑year cancer strategy must accelerate, with a clear focus on meeting cancer waiting‑time standards. Transparent reporting, clear milestones and sustained investment will be essential to ensure patients receive timely diagnosis and treatment. 

Strengthening NHS capacity and supporting innovation must also remain core priorities. Workforce shortages and diagnostic bottlenecks continue to slow progress. Long‑term workforce planning, better staff retention and smarter use of innovation and data will be vital to improving outcomes. 

Lung cancer must stay at the forefront of cancer policy. Effective implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Act, national lung cancer screening and equitable access to services will save lives. 

Scotland must continue to build a world‑leading cancer research environment. Investment in research infrastructure, clinical trials and innovation improves outcomes for patients while strengthening Scotland’s life sciences sector and wider economy. This includes supporting a critically important proposal from the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, to deliver a multi-disease, multi-disciplinary Scottish Health and Biomedical Institute.  

Cancer Research UK stands ready to support this ambition to build a world‑leading cancer research environment by working with government, the NHS and research partners to embed research and innovation at the heart of health and economic policy. 

Across all of these areas, tackling inequalities must be central. Cancer death rates are around 80% higher in Scotland’s most deprived communities, and closing this gap will be essential for Scotland to meet its ambition of cutting cancer deaths by 15% by 2040. 

Wales 

What’s encouraging for cancer policy in Wales 

Cancer was a clear priority during the Senedd election period. With nearly 1 in 2 people affected by cancer in Wales, and rising demand on already overstretched health services, urgent action is needed. 

A major positive was the level of cross‑party support for Cancer Research UK’s call for a long‑term cancer strategy. Five of the six main political parties committed to developing a comprehensive, long‑term cancer plan, including Plaid Cymru — now the largest party and set to lead the next Welsh Government — as well as Reform UK, the second‑largest party in the Senedd. This shared recognition provides an important foundation 

Plaid Cymru empahsised cancer in both its manifesto and its plan for the first 100 days of government, prioritising prevention, earlier diagnosis, more timely support and improved equity of access across cancer services. 

There was also strong alignment on the need to strengthen NHS capacity. All major parties acknowledged the importance of long‑term workforce planning or review — a pressing issue as cancer cases are projected to rise and increase demand on the NHS. 

Primary care featured prominently. GPs play a critical role in cancer outcomes through referral, screening, safety‑netting and promoting healthy behaviours. Parties made commitments to improve access and capacity, alongside proposals to reform GP funding. Good and equitable access to primary care is vital for patients, especially as cancer diagnoses are set to rise. 

Positive signals also emerged on research and innovation, with several parties committing to reviewing university funding and improving Wales’ share of UK research investment. This is a valuable opportunity to strengthen Wales’ cancer research environment and ensure patients benefit from advances in science and innovation. 

What we’d like to see more of in Wales 

As the new Senedd term begins, attention must now turn to delivery. 

Cross‑party support for a long‑term cancer strategy must lead to a funded, ambitious and deliverable plan, with clear priorities for improving prevention, earlier diagnosis, quicker access to kinder, better treatment and improved cancer outcomes, alongside accountability for delivery. 

Workforce pressures must be addressed at pace. Commitments to workforce planning must translate into concrete action to recruit, retain and support staff across cancer services and primary care. 

Tackling lung cancer remains critical. As the biggest cancer killer in Wales, driven largely by smoking and late diagnosis, continued momentum is essential. Effective implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Act, lung cancer screening and strengthening stop‑smoking support, will save lives. 

Wales must also reinforce its cancer research and innovation ecosystem. Increasing research funding, supporting clinical trials and embedding research in routine care could improve outcomes now, and in the years to come. Cancer Research UK stands ready to work with the Welsh Government, the NHS and partners to support this ambition. 

Turning commitments into action 

Across both Scotland and Wales, the 2026 elections showed clear recognition that cancer must remain a political priority. But manifestos are only the starting point. 

Cancer Research UK will continue to work constructively with governments, parliamentarians and health leaders across both nations — providing trusted evidence, insight and expertise to support the delivery of effective policies and system change. Throughout the election, thousands of campaigners helped keep cancer firmly on the agenda, leading to welcome cross‑party support for many of our priorities. 

Now is the moment to turn that support into action. Together, and with sustained commitment, this new parliamentary term can become a true turning point — helping people in Scotland and Wales live longer, better lives.