National Cancer Plan
6th Feb 2026
BMUS is delighted to draw its members’ attention to the National Cancer Plan for England which has been published this week. BMUS, along with other partner organisations recognise the power of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool, but also the risks in terms of mis-diagnosis and missed diagnosis when improperly used. This is particularly important in cancer diagnostics where timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial. BMUS believes that statutory regulation of sonographers is the only way of properly mitigating those risks, ensuring that our patients are kept safe by ensuring that those undertaking diagnostic ultrasound are properly qualified and accountable for their actions.
The Cancer Plan recognises the need to transform the diagnostic workforce. In terms of diagnostic ultrasound, there is now a plan to ‘review the evidence and engage stakeholders on the potential benefits to patient safety and service of independent statutory regulation for sonographers, whose skills in ultrasound play a crucial role in cancer pathways.’
BMUS recognises that this is a significant step forward in ensuring patient safety and making sure that our ultrasound workforce is ready for the challenges of the future. We look forward to working with NHS England and our partner organisations to further outline the need for statutory regulation. The Cancer Plan can be found at;