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Pressure on NHS cancer services has been increasing, causing delays in access for patients.
Quick cancer testing, diagnosis, and treatment reduce stress and improve outcomes, especially when cancer is caught early.
December 2023 marked the first report of cancer waiting times based on new NHS England targets. Cancer Research UK’s latest article shares the results for March 2025 in England:
The Faster Diagnosis Standard: Target Met
- 78.9% of people were diagnosed, or had cancer ruled out, within 28 days of an urgent referral in March 2025. The target is 75%.
The 62-day referral to treatment standard: Target Missed
- Only 71.4% of people in England received their diagnosis and started their first treatment within 2 months (or 62 days) of an urgent referral in March 2025. The target is 85% and has not been met since December 2015.
The 31-day decision to treat standard: Target Missed
- 91.4% of people started treatment within 31 days of doctors deciding a treatment plan in March 2025. 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.
Cancer Research UK are also calling on the Secretary of State for Health and Social care to ensure the National Cancer Plan delivers the change needed for people affected by cancer now and in the future. You can sign their open letter here.
