As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 2026), we take a look at the pivotal role of national clinical audits in supporting improvements in breast cancer care and outcomes for patients.
We are kicking off the month by sharing two new articles about the value of data and patient engagement in improving cancer care. The first is an update on the work of the HQIP-commissioned Metastatic and Primary Breast Cancer audits, to support the provision of timely, high-quality, customised care. In the other, we hear from a patient who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and now advocates for the use of data and patient voice in breast cancer care: “When both are taken seriously, care can become safer, fairer and more responsive to the people it is there to support”.
A breast cancer diagnosis comes as a shock to most and is accompanied by a myriad of decisions…the equitable presentation of information about all treatment options and their universal availability across the UK is paramount” Sam Brunsden, Patient Representative/Research Advisor Flat Friends
Breast cancer reports
HQIP manages two breast cancer programmes: The National Audit of Primary Breast Cancer (NAoPri) and the National Audit of Metastatic Breast Cancer (NAoMe), both of which are part of the National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre (NATCAN), a national centre of excellence that is home to ten national cancer audits in England and Wales.
In addition to regular data and clinical performance indicators being available via an an online dashboard, hosted by NATCAN, both audits produce annual State of the Nation reports, that include key findings, infographics and recommendations to support improvement. The most recent reports (with a link to more reports) can be found below:
Primary breast cancer State of the Nation report 2026
- National Audit of Primary Breast Cancer (NAoPri),
- National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre (NATCAN)
This report assesses the quality of care for people diagnosed with primary breast cancer in England and Wales between 2021 and 2023. Overall, 67.4% of people diagnosed outside breast screening were recorded as diagnosed through triple diagnostic assessment (TDA) clinic, with rates ranging from 5.3% to 89.3% according to organisation…
Metastatic breast cancer State of the Nation report 2026
- National Audit of Metastatic Breast Cancer (NAoMe),
- National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre (NATCAN)
This report reviews care for people with newly diagnosed metastatic breast cancer (MBC) across England and Wales between 2021 and 2023. It found that survival differed substantially by tumour subtype, and access to cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors varied considerably. More specifically, use differed according to patient age. 48%…
Metastatic breast cancer report 2025
- National Audit of Metastatic Breast Cancer (NAoMe),
- National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre (NATCAN)
Primary breast cancer report 2025
- National Audit of Primary Breast Cancer (NAoPri),
- National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre (NATCAN)
Metastatic breast cancer report 2024
- National Audit of Metastatic Breast Cancer (NAoMe),
- National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre (NATCAN)
National cancer strategy
The Government published its National Cancer Plan for England, in early 2026, with an aim to ensuring that patients will receive faster diagnosis, quicker treatment and the support to live well with cancer. The Plan provides a catalyst for working together to deliver a step change in improvement, however this will only happen if we pool our collective resources, skills and knowledge. In this article, HQIP’s former Medical Director, Professor Danny Keenan, explains why national clinical audit and outcomes data must be a key component in the delivery of this strategy.
The impact of data
“By turning data into meaningful improvements in services, we can work towards what patients want most: a better quality of life and improved survival outcomes” Patient representative
Healthcare data matters. HQIP’s real-world data helps to raise standards, reduce variations in care, and ensure that every patient receives the best possible treatment. In other words, the value of our work goes far beyond data collection and analysis. From improving and saving lives, to supporting efficiencies and addressing health inequalities, the benefits are extensive.
More for you
Webinar: Exploring Key Findings from the NATCAN 2026 State of the Nation Reports
Wednesday 11 November 2026; 13:00-14:00
As part of a series of webinars from the National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre (NATCAN), the two breast cancer audits (National Audit of Primary Breast Cancer and National Audit of Metastatic Breast Cancer) will feature in the above online event, which is focused on Treatment Variation.
