Advances in Cancer Treatment and Care: Empower. Innovate. Improve
This year’s SWAG Annual Conference, held on 12th March 2026 at BAWA Bristol, highlighted the strength of our alliance and the impact we achieve when we work together. Our theme: empower, innovate, improve ran through each session, shaping how we think about our services, pathways, and the experiences we deliver.
The conference opened with three powerful keynote addresses, each reinforcing the importance of partnership and purposeful change.
Dr Lennard Lee, National Cancer Advisor for NHS England, explored how rapidly advancing technology is reshaping cancer pathways—from diagnostics and treatment to follow‑up and personalised care. Emphasising that “no single organisation can solve this problem,” he reinforced the need for deep collaboration across primary and secondary care, public health, communities and even the media. Earlier diagnosis and better outcomes, he said, are entirely achievable when systems work collectively.
Leanne Pero MBE, CEO and founder of Black Women Rising UK, delivered an emotional and thought‑provoking talk about her experience of metastatic breast cancer. She called for health systems to address inequalities head‑on and ensure that communities most affected by disparities are meaningfully represented in decision‑making. Her message underscored the vital role of partnership, listening and cultural understanding in improving cancer outcomes for Black communities.
Dr Anna Olsson-Brown, CEO of the National Immunotherapy Clinical Network, highlighted the operational challenges that come with delivering modern cancer care. She stressed the importance of supporting staff, improving processes and optimising patient flow as demand and complexity continue to rise. Her insights reinforced the need to empower teams as they deliver the ambitions of the national cancer plan.
Following the keynotes, short presentations and panel discussions covered developments in surgical, radiotherapy and systemic treatments. Speakers showcased innovations, raised complex questions, and invited interactive discussion from attendees.
The momentum carried into the afternoon, with panel discussions and breakout sessions spanning surgical innovations, radiotherapy, systemic treatments, frailty, genomics, research, and inclusion. It was particularly inspiring to see our Patient and Public Voice Representatives featured on every afternoon panel, sharing invaluable experience and reminding us why their involvement is essential to meaningful and impactful change.
The day closed with an unforgettable talk from Mike Cain, who shared his journey following a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma in 2022. From losing the ability to speak, swallow and walk, to completing a kayaking challenge less than two years later after a switch to targeted therapy - Mike’s story grounded the entire room. Mike spoke candidly about the lasting impact his cancer has on him, not just physically but emotionally as well. His courage was a powerful reminder of our collective purpose and why we strive for earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and more research every single day.
Ruth Carr, Managing Director of SWAG Cancer Alliance said: "There was real pride in what we have achieved together, and equally strong ambition for what comes next. As an alliance, we will continue to empower, innovate, and improve with collaboration, personalised care, and shared purpose driving everything we do."
