The fund, which forms part of wider ring-fenced funding for cancer totalling £200m in 2026-27, will enable Cancer Alliances to support their local NHS to reduce inequalities in communities and among groups where rates of early diagnosis are lower.

The alliances will work with community groups and charities to identify barriers and design effective local campaigns to maximise their impact and develop targeted campaigns aimed at reducing the gap in screening uptake.

Health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, said: ‘The postcode lottery for cancer care we see today shows that promise has still not been realised. Our cancer plan will put this right, through investment and modernisation.

‘I know from my own experience of being diagnosed with kidney cancer how vital early detection is. It was only caught by chance because I went to hospital about something else entirely. I was one of the lucky ones – but healthcare shouldn't be left to luck. We will ensure that no community is left behind when it comes to catching cancer early. Wealth should not dictate health.

‘Advances in medical science allow us to screen much more accurately for early signs of cancer. Bringing this to every part of our country will help catch cancer earlier and treat it faster.'

Dr Claire Fuller, national medical director at NHS England, said: ‘Screening is crucial in helping the NHS catch cancers earlier and boost people's chance of survival, but it's vital that it is as easy to get screened in the most deprived areas as is in the most affluent parts of England.

‘Through the National Cancer Plan we will work closer with local communities to ensure that barriers to early diagnosis and screening opportunities are eradicated and help to make England a world-leader for cancer survival.'