Home / Health / NHS Cancer Delays Hit Record High
NHS Cancer Delays Hit Record High
1 Apr
Summary
- Over 106,810 cancer patients faced delays exceeding 62 days for urgent treatment.
- 83% of NHS trusts missed the target for timely cancer patient treatment.
- Every four-week delay in cancer treatment reduces survival chances by 10%.
A stark analysis reveals that over 106,810 cancer patients on the NHS waited more than 62 days for urgent treatment last year, marking a new record. The majority of NHS trusts, 83%, failed to meet the benchmark of treating 85% of patients within this critical timeframe.
These prolonged delays have serious consequences, with cancer charities emphasizing that they can diminish survival prospects, reduce the efficacy of certain treatments, and heighten patient anxiety. Research indicates a substantial 10% decrease in survival rates for every four-week postponement of treatment.
Nationally, the target of commencing treatment for 85% of patients within 62 days has not been achieved since 2014. The Liberal Democrats are advocating for this 62-day treatment guarantee to be legally enshrined, proposing solutions like additional radiotherapy machines and more cancer nurses.
The UK faces significant challenges, lagging behind other nations in cancer outcomes due to staff and scanner shortages. While the government has pledged to meet existing cancer targets by March 2029, think tanks suggest this will be exceedingly difficult without substantial improvements in performance.
