The annual National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NCPES) published today shows improvement in patient experiences of NHS cancer care over the past year.

The National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2016 asked 72,788 people with cancer for their views on their care within NHS England. When asked to rate their care on a scale of zero (very poor) to 10 (very good), respondents gave an average rating of 8.74 (i.e. 87.4% favourable); a statistically significant increase on last year’s score.

Patients also reported statistically significant improvements over the past year on being seen as soon as they thought necessary for hospital cancer appointments, cancer tests, and cancer treatment. People also reported more positively on areas including involvement in decisions about care and treatment, feeling they were given enough information, and being treated with dignity and respect.

Areas for further improvement included follow up community and social care after treatment.

Professor Chris Harrison, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, said:

“The latest data shows cancer survival is now at a record high and this survey confirms the vast majority of people with cancer are really positive about the NHS care they receive, reporting further improvements over the past year.

“One of our key ambitions is to put cancer patient experience front and centre at a time when the NHS is successfully treating more patients for cancer than ever before, so this positive feedback from patients is an encouraging testament to the hard work of NHS staff.”

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