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Pressure on NHS cancer services has been mounting over the past few years, resulting in people having to wait for cancer services.
Cancer testing, diagnosis and starting treatment quickly saves people from stress and anxiety. Diagnosis and treatment of cancer at an early stage, when the cancer is small and hasn’t spread, makes the cancer treatment more successful.
Cancer waiting times were first reported in December 2023, following the new cancer NHS England targets, which indicate how well cancer services are doing. An article by Cancer Research UK reports the latest results in England for August 2024:
The Faster Diagnosis Standard: Target Met
- 75.5% of people were diagnosed, or had cancer ruled out, within 28 days of an urgent referral in August 2024. The target is 75%.
The 62-day referral to treatment standard: Target Missed
- Only 69.2% of people in England received their diagnosis and started their first treatment within 2 months (or 62 days) of an urgent referral in August 2024. The target is 85% and has not been met since December 2015.
The 31-day decision to treat standard: Target Missed
- 91.7% of people started treatment within 31 days of doctors deciding a treatment plan in August 2024. The target is 96%.
The above data are specific to England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also have their own cancer waiting times targets.
What does this mean for people affected by cancer?
We need to remember that behind these numbers are real people going through an incredibly anxious time. Also, the data are different for different types of cancer. Some cancers are more aggressive than others, and the impact of this can be negative. People with more aggressive cancers are prioritised for early treatment, where possible.
There can be good reasons why some people have to wait longer than others for treatment. For example, it can take longer to plan treatments intending to cure someone’s cancer, and sometimes patients need prehabilitation before starting treatment to give them the best chance of recovering well.
But it is a big concern that missed targets mean people are waiting and worrying longer for potentially lifesaving cancer treatments.
However, delays shouldn’t put people off going to their doctor if they are worried about symptoms. It’s always better to be on the waiting list than not at all, and if doctors are concerned, they will push things through as quickly as possible.
Cancer Research UK are campaigning for the new UK Government to improve cancer waiting times in England, and you can add your voice to the campaign here.
