The government published a new five year strategy on cancer this morning with an emphasis on prevention, including greater regulation of tobacco sales and a review of sun beds.

Prevention, earlier diagnosis and treatment, and improving the experience of those living with cancer, are the main focuses of the plan, which was unveiled by Gordon Brown and Alan Johnson, the Health Secretary.

“Clinicians, patients and cancer charities tell us that cancer care has improved significantly in the last ten years thanks to investment and reform, but I am determined to go further,’’ Mr Johnson said.

“I want to build world class-cancer services that give NHS patients access to top quality treatment at every stage.”

The NHS Cancer Reform Strategy, supported by a government investment of £370 million by 2010, is the biggest review of cancer services in Britain since the Cancer Plan in 2000.

The new strategy was hailed by the Prime Minister, who said it will serve as a “road map to a higher standard of care over all.”

Mr Brown told a briefing of campaigners and clinicians in Downing Street this morning that he believed the country was “making huge advances” in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare in its bid to tackle the cancer.

He said the strategy “made for a comprehensive approach for cancer in the years ahead”.

Among other measures are how to decrease skin cancer rates, and more consultation aimed at helping people to quit smoking. The government plans to including studies on the banning the cigarette machines, reducing cigarette displays in shops and potentially another to look at packaging on cigarettes.

Teenagers under the age of 18 will be targeted, by a review of the use of coin-operated sun beds, in a bid to reduce skin cancer rates.

The Breast Cancer Screening Programme has been extended to all women aged 47 to 73 by 2012, while the NHS Bowel Screening Programme will be extended from 2010 to all men and women aged 70 to 75

The strategy will also investigate where there are delays at the GP stage of cancer patients treatment, and aims to improve the experience of cancer patients and those living with cancer, with an extra £200 million invested in radiotherapy equipment and staff.

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