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NHS Cancer Waits: Just 3 Trusts Meet Target
25 Feb
Summary
- Few NHS trusts meet the 85% target for cancer treatment initiation.
- National target of 85% of patients treated within 62 days unmet since 2014.
- Government aims for 75% by March 2026 amidst ongoing delays.
As of February 2026, almost all NHS trusts across England are struggling to meet a critical cancer treatment target. The national benchmark requires 85% of cancer patients to commence treatment within 62 days of referral, a standard that has not been achieved since 2014. In the past year, only three out of 119 acute trusts met this 85% target.
The government has established an interim goal of reaching 75% by March 2026, acknowledging the persistent challenges. Data reveals significant variations, with some of the worst-performing trusts treating only around half of their eligible patients within the stipulated timeframe. Across England, 69.1% of patients began treatment within 62 days last year, a slight increase from the previous year but still considerably below the target.
Experts emphasize the need for increased investment in NHS workforce and equipment to achieve timely care. Some trusts have reported that a substantial proportion of patients initiating treatment in December 2025 had waited over 104 days since an urgent referral, underscoring the severity of the delays. Several trusts are implementing improvement plans, including additional clinics and diagnostic capacity, to address these critical waiting times.
