In a major push for breast cancer care, the UK government announced that more than 1,000 people have joined a government-funded trial testing whether breast cancer radiotherapy can be safely cut from three weeks to just five days.
The announcement came on 30 October 2026 from the Department of Health and Social Care, as Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close.
What is FAST-Forward Boost Trial?
- Full Name: FAST-Forward Boost Trial
- Led By: The Institute of Cancer Research, London
- Funded By: National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
- Chief Investigator: Professor Anna Kirby, based at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and ICR London
- Hospitals Involved: 39 hospitals across the UK
- Current Status: 1,000+ participants joined
- Target: Recruit 4,830 people by 2028
- Follow-up: 5 years, Results Expected in 2033
What It Tests:
Standard radiotherapy for breast cancer takes 3 weeks. The trial is testing a shorter course of radiotherapy with an additional targeted dose, known as a boost, to help prevent breast cancer returning.
If Successful, Benefits:
- Patients spared 10 hospital visits
- Reduced travel costs and time away from work and family
- Less side effects of radiotherapy
- Frees up NHS capacity to treat more people
Prof. Lucy Chappell, NIHR CEO and DHSC Chief Scientific Adviser said: “We know the impact breast cancer treatment can have on patients and their families, and how side effects can affect quality of life, even long after treatment. Studies like this are crucial, as they aim to not only identify new treatment options which can be delivered swiftly and safely – but also minimise side effects, giving patients more time away from hospitals.”
Prof. Anna Kirby said: “Reaching 1,000 participants is a fantastic milestone. It reflects the commitment of patients and clinical teams across the UK to answering an important question about how we can improve breast radiotherapy.”
Ashley Dalton MP Appointed as Government’s Cancer Advisor
In a significant move, Ashley Dalton MP has been appointed as an adviser on delivery of the National Cancer Plan.
Who is Ashley Dalton?
- Labour MP for West Lancashire
- Living with metastatic breast cancer (incurable)
- Originally diagnosed with primary breast cancer in 2013
- Revealed secondary metastatic diagnosis in January 2025
- Served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention
- Stepped down on March 2, 2026 to manage health and treatment side effects
Her role will be to ensure patients’ experiences shape decisions on cancer care, highlight where delivery is off track, and assess whether the Plan is delivering improvements in quality of life.
Ashley Dalton said:
“It’s a real honour to be appointed the Government’s Cancer Advisor. Publishing the National Cancer Plan was a huge professional and personal achievement… My time as Health Minister taught me so much, and so has living with metastatic breast cancer. I want to use my experiences… to support the commitment in the National Cancer Plan that by 2035, 3 out of 4 people diagnosed with cancer will be cancer free or living well with cancer after 5 years.”
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Better cancer care also means listening to those who know what it means to live with it. That’s why Ashley Dalton’s appointment is so important.”
Breast Screening Uptake Hits Decade High
As part of the update, figures show:
- 63.6% uptake for first breast screening invitation – Highest in past 10 years
- But 4 in 10 women (40%) still do not attend first time
- In England, 30% of female breast cancers diagnosed via screening, most at early stage
- Early diagnosis is critical: When diagnosed at Stage 1, almost 100% survive 5+ years, compared to just 32% at Stage 4
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper is urging all women who receive an invitation to take up the potentially life-saving offer.
Deputy Chief Executive at Breast Cancer Now, Rachael Franklin said: “Maximising early diagnosis is essential as the earlier breast cancer is found the more likely treatment is to be successful.”
Other Steps Under National Cancer Plan
- AI Trials: Government, NIHR and NHS England delivering trials of AI to support analysis of mammograms
- Partnership with Breast Cancer Now: 3-year partnership to help women recognise signs of cancer and access trusted information after treatment – Supports Renewed Women’s Health Strategy
Full List of 39 Hospitals Taking Part:
The Royal Marsden Hospital London & Sutton, Addenbrooke’s Cambridge, Christie Manchester, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Churchill Oxford, Singleton Swansea, Royal Free London, James Cook Middlesbrough, Royal Berkshire, Charing Cross London, Southampton General, Western General Edinburgh, St John’s Livingston, Barts London, Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Royal Alexandra Paisley, Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Queen Alexandra Portsmouth, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Weston Park Sheffield, Royal Shrewsbury, Belfast City Hospital, Peterborough City Hospital, Northampton General, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Queen Elizabeth Birmingham, Borders General, University Hospital Crosshouse Kilmarnock, West Middlesex University Hospital, University Hospital Hairmyres, St James’s Leeds, Guy’s London, Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre, Ipswich Hospital, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, University College Hospital London, Ealing Hospital, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre.
Bottom Line: UK is using its world-beating research to transform NHS cancer care – from cutting radiotherapy time to using AI for mammograms and ensuring patient voices shape policy through Ashley Dalton’s appointment.
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