National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2025 highlights positive experiences of cancer care

The results of the 2025 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NCPES) have been published, providing valuable insights into how people diagnosed with cancer experience care and treatment across England.

Commissioned by NHS England and carried out by Picker Institute Europe, the survey has been conducted annually since 2010 and remains one of the most important measures of cancer patient experience. The findings help national and local NHS organisations, including Cancer Alliances, understand what is working well and where improvements can be made to deliver the best possible care.

With a record 3.34 million people checked for cancer last year and more than 343,000 patients starting treatment, understanding patient experience is more important than ever. The survey findings will help shape improvements to cancer services alongside the ambitions set out in the National Cancer Plan, launched in February 2026.

Key findings from the 2025 survey

The survey highlights the positive experiences of thousands of people receiving cancer care across England:

• More than 64,000 people completed the 2025 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey, giving their overall cancer care an average score of 8.92 out of 10.
• 91.4% of patients said they had a main point of contact within their cancer care team, providing continuity and support throughout their treatment.
• Of those who received advice from their main point of contact, 95.6% said the advice was helpful, demonstrating the value of having a dedicated healthcare professional available throughout their cancer journey.
• More than 9 in 10 patients said they received all the information they needed before undergoing a diagnostic test, helping them feel informed and prepared.
• 94.6% of patients said they were always given enough privacy when receiving their test results, reflecting the importance of delivering sensitive news with dignity and compassion.

Overall, the survey shows that more areas of cancer care have improved or remained stable over the past five years than have declined. The greatest improvements were seen in involving family members, friends and carers in patients' care, as well as ensuring referrals for diagnostic tests are explained in a way that patients can understand.

Supporting continuous improvement

The National Cancer Plan sets out three clear ambitions for cancer services over the next decade:

• Improve cancer survival.
• Meet cancer waiting time standards.
• Improve the quality of life and experience of people diagnosed with, treated for, and living with and beyond cancer.

The National Cancer Patient Experience Survey provides valuable feedback across the entire cancer pathway, including diagnosis, hospital care, treatment, primary care, and living with and beyond cancer. These insights help identify both areas of excellence and opportunities for improvement, ensuring services continue to evolve around the needs of patients.