The proportion of cancer patients diagnosed at early stages has reached a record high in England, with 58.7% of cases identified at stages one and two between September 2023 and August 2024. This marks a 2.7 percentage point rise since before the pandemic, significantly improving survival rates. Public awareness campaigns and innovative screening approaches, such as mobile lung and liver cancer screenings, have been credited for the progress. However, challenges remain. England is still well short of its target to diagnose 75% of cancers at early stages by 2028. Nearly one in three patients faces delays of over 62 days from urgent referrals to starting treatment. NHS England’s national cancer director, Dame Cally Palmer, acknowledged the progress but pointed out the need for further improvement, as the UK lags well behind other European nations. Cancer Research UK also called for a fully-funded national cancer plan to enhance resources and transform care. Early detection saved patients like Paul Nelson, 72, whose cancer was found through routine checks.