We now live in a time where innovation & technology are shaping our future from mobile phones to life saving inventions. The UK government has been investing in advanced radiotherapy machines used for more effective & targeted cancer therapy.

The new linear accelerator (LINAC) radiotherapy machines have demonstrated significant benefits, including reduced side effects, shorter treatment times, and a decrease in patient waitlists, enabling care for a greater number of patients. Additionally, these advanced machines offer enhanced precision in targeting cancer, particularly in hard-to-reach areas such as the abdomen, chest, and pelvis—improving both treatment accuracy and outcomes.

The UK government aims to provide up to 27,500 additional cancer treatments by March 2027 that will be delivered annually, including 4,500 patients starting their first treatment within 62 days of referral accelerating access and improving care timelines.

NHS England's specialized commissioning teams have allocated new LINAC radiotherapy machines across the country, ensuring all radiotherapy services are equipped with modern technology to deliver advanced treatments and reduce health inequalities.

In parallel, major efforts are underway to accelerate cancer diagnosis like never before. As part of the government’s Plan for Change, 13 new DEXA scanners have been deployed nationwide, enabling an additional 29,000 bone scans annually to improve diagnostic capacity.

The plan continues to prioritize patient care, addressing long-standing backlogs and access challenges. Since June 2024, over 3 million appointments have been delivered—well exceeding the target of 2 million additional operations, scans, and consultations.

In parallel, more than 8.3 million extra appointments annually will be made possible as 1,000 GP surgeries undergo infrastructure upgrades to modernize services and expand capacity across the country.

Learn more: Faster cancer treatment thanks to new radiotherapy machines - GOV.UK