Professor Mike Richards CBE

National Clinical Director for Cancer

Professor Richards was appointed as the first National Cancer Director at the Department of Health in October 1999.

In 2000 he led the development of the NHS Cancer Plan, the first comprehensive strategy to tackle cancer in England and since then has been responsible for overseeing its implementation. During 2007 he led the development of the Cancer Reform Strategy.  He is also leading the development of the End of Life Care Strategy, due for publication in summer 2008.

Prior to his appointment to the Department of Health, Prof Richards was a Consultant Medical Oncologist at Guy's Hospital specialising in breast cancer (1986 - 1995) and Sainsbury Professor of Palliative Medicine at St Thomas' Hospital (1995 - 1999).

In 2001 he was appointed CBE in the New Year's honours.  In 2003 he was awarded the Hambro Macmillan Fellowship for his contribution to cancer services.

Mike was closely involved in the establishment of the National Cancer Research Institute in 2001.  In April 2006 he took on the post of Chairman of the NCRI Board in addition to his role as National Cancer Director.