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NHS Cancer Targets: A Race Against Time
4 Feb
Summary
- NHS aims to meet key cancer targets by 2029.
- Only a few hospitals met all targets up to November 2025.
- The 62-day wait for cancer treatment has been missed for over a decade.
The NHS in England is committed to returning to its key cancer performance targets by the year 2029. This goal follows a period where only a minimal number of NHS hospitals successfully met all three critical targets in the twelve months leading up to November 2025. These targets include diagnosing or ruling out cancer within 28 days of urgent referral for 75% of cases, initiating treatment within 31 days for 96% of cases, and ensuring the entire patient journey from referral to treatment starts within 62 days for 85% of cases.
The most persistent challenge has been the 62-day wait for treatment to commence, a benchmark that has not been achieved for more than ten years. This prolonged failure indicates a systemic issue requiring significant attention and strategic intervention. The government's pledge signifies an intent to address these long-standing performance gaps and improve the speed and efficiency of cancer care delivery across the nation.
