Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Neuroendocrine Cancer

16 April 2026 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Scott Arthur Lab Edinburgh South West

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Scott Arthur raised concerns about neuroendocrine cancer in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Dr Arthur highlighted the growing prevalence of neuroendocrine cancer, noting about 6,000 people are diagnosed each year in the UK.
  • Minister Sharon Hodgson thanked Dr Arthur and praised the Rare Cancers Act 2026, which will facilitate clinical trials for rare cancers.
  • Hodgson mentioned the national cancer plan's targets, including saving 320,000 more lives by 2035 and improving quality of life for patients.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Scott Arthur Lab Edinburgh South West

Dr Arthur highlighted the growing prevalence of neuroendocrine cancer, noting that about 6,000 people are diagnosed each year in the UK. He shared stories from patients who experienced delays and misdiagnosis before receiving proper care. The speech emphasised the need for earlier diagnosis, standardised pathways to specialist care, clinical awareness training, data collection, and research funding. Dr Arthur called on the government to address these issues to improve patient outcomes.

Other contributors (1)
  • Unknown MP

    No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.

Government Response

Sharon Hodgson

Minister Sharon Hodgson thanked Dr Arthur for securing the debate. She praised his Rare Cancers Act 2026, which received Royal Assent in March 2026. The government will implement the Act to facilitate clinical trials for rare cancers and improve early diagnosis rates. Hodgson mentioned the national cancer plan's targets: saving 320,000 more lives by 2035, achieving three performance targets by March 2029, and improving quality of life for patients. She highlighted efforts to collect patient data on neuroendocrine neoplasms and improve awareness through NHS campaigns. The government will invest £70 million in new LINAC radiotherapy machines and support AI integration into oncology planning. Research funding includes £141.6 million for the National Institute for Health and Care Research, with £3.5 million specifically for neuroendocrine cancer research from 2020-21 to 2024-25. A national clinical lead for rare cancers will be appointed to provide independent advice on improving outcomes.

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