Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell said the promises represented a “significant commitment” that would require a “wide range of measures”.
“England lags behind comparable countries on cancer survival – it’s vital that changes,” she said.
Five-year survival data analysed by the charity shows the UK consistently lags behind on cancers of the stomach, colon, pancreas, ovaries and lungs.
For example, on colon cancer five-year survival exceeds 70% in Australia, while in the UK it is under 60%.
For lung cancer, 15% of UK cases live five years, but in Norway and Canada more than 20% do.
The plan also mentions steps that are being taken to prevent cancers – it is estimated around four in 10 cases could be avoided through lifestyle changes.
This includes extra support to help people quite smoking, increasing access to weight loss drugs and mandatory ID checks for sunbed use to ensure the ban on under 18s using them is properly implemented.
But Thalie Martini, of Breast Cancer UK, said she was disappointed there was not more emphasis on prevention through bold and proactive policies on alcohol, diet, exercise and chemical exposure.
“To significantly change cancer outcomes, we must be one step ahead.”
