17 February 2026

A new seven-year Cancer Strategy has been launched following approval at our Public Board Meeting last week. This new strategy, which has been shaped by the experiences, needs and hopes of people across the Borders, sets out our renewed commitment to delivering compassionate, timely and equitable care.

Cancer touches the lives of thousands of people across the Borders each year, with around 75 people being diagnosed every month and more than 5,900 people living with or beyond cancer. As more people live longer with cancer as a long‑term condition, our new approach focuses not only on treatment but also on prevention, early detection, holistic support and ensuring care is delivered as close to home as possible.

The strategy highlights services that already make a difference such as Single Point of Contact (SPoC) and Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) and also sets out seven key commitments that will continue to improve care and outcomes by:

  • Preventing more cancers through support for healthy lifestyles, smoking cessation and reduced alcohol harm
  • Diagnosing cancer earlier by increasing screening uptake and tackling health inequalities
  • Reducing waiting times through better coordinated diagnostic and treatment pathways
  • Providing holistic support from prehabilitation to emotional and psychological care
  • Delivering more care locally where safe and sustainable, reducing the need for travel to Edinburgh
  • Investing in the workforce to ensure skilled, sustainable cancer services
  • Expanding capacity across facilities, diagnostics and treatments to meet rising demand

Oliver Bennett, Interim Director of Acute Services at NHS Borders, said: “This plan belongs to our community. It reflects more than 170 voices of our patients, families, carers and the staff who support people with cancer every day. Their stories, challenges and priorities have shaped every part of this strategy - particularly the seven key commitments we have made to improve care and outcomes for people affected by cancer.

“Cancer care isn’t just about tests and treatments. It’s about supporting people emotionally, practically and holistically so they can live as well as possible at every stage. This strategy is our promise to deliver that care consistently, compassionately and with people at the centre of every decision.”