The FAST-Forward Boost trial will test a shorter course of radiotherapy with an additional targeted dose, known as a boost, to help prevent breast 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. The UK is home to some of the best medical research and clinical expertise in the world, and this trial is the latest example of what we can achieve when we bring them together.'

The trial was accompanied by the announcement that Ashley Dalton, who is living with metastatic breast cancer, has been appointed as an adviser on delivery of the National Cancer Plan for England.

Dalton stepped down from her role as Parliamentary under-secretary of state for public health and prevention in March to manage her health and treatment side effects.

The FAST-Forward Boost trial, which is led by the Institute of Cancer Research, London and funded through NIHR, aims to recruit 4,830 people by 2028.

Participants will be followed up for five years, with results expected in 2033.