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UK Cancer Care Crisis: Staff Cuts Threaten Patient Treatment
4 Feb
Summary
- 100,000 cancer patients faced delays exceeding the 62-day target in 2025.
- A projected shortfall of nearly 2,000 doctors threatens cancer service demand.
- Recruitment freezes are exacerbating staffing shortages across NHS trusts.
The UK's cancer care system is under severe strain, with senior doctors warning of a potential 'disaster' due to NHS staff cuts. Despite improvements in survival rates and increased diagnoses, the number of patients treated within the government's 62-day target has significantly decreased. Analysis indicates that in 2025, 100,000 patients experienced delays exceeding this critical timeframe.
Experts highlight a projected shortfall of nearly 2,000 doctors by 2029, a situation worsened by hospital budget cuts leading to hiring freezes. These factors create bottlenecks, preventing timely treatment for many. The government's 10-year plan aims to address these issues by 2029, but experts caution that current services are already struggling to train staff in new techniques and deliver treatments effectively.
