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Statistics » Cancer Waiting Times for December 2024 - NHS England
The latest monthly statistics on waiting times for suspected and diagnosed cancer patients accessing NHS services were released on 13th February 2025 by NHS England according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority. Pre-Release Access List December 2024 (PDF, 61KB) Cancer Waiting times Statistical Release – December 2024 (Provider based) Provisional (PDF, 132KB) […]
UK’s National cancer Plan needs to be radical, accountable, and …
Inadequate access to cancer care and delays in treatment meen that the 62-day target from referral to treatment has become increasingly tough to achieve since 2013. Currently, approximately 3000 patients a month wait at least 3 months to start cancer treatment. Every month’s delay in treatment can result in an approximately 10% increase …
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More than 74,000 people did not start cancer treatment on time in 2024 …
More than 74,000 cancer patients in England did not start treatment on time last year, according to new data. The charity calculates that in 2024, 74,000 patients waited longer than 62 days to begin cancer treatment. Once Cancer Voice, a coalition of more than 50 of the UK’s leading cancer charities, saeid the slow rate of improvement in treatment times was not good enough. The government relaunched its cancer plan in february but charities and experts said that without more funding it would fail. Cancer Research UK’s chief executive and One Cancer Voice representative, Michelle Mitchell, said: “The national cancer plan can be a turning point for cancer patients across England, but the UK government must invest in staff and equipment, alongside reforms, …
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Cancer Diagnosis Rates Rise, But Experts Warn of Treatment Delays
Table of Contents
In a recent report, the NHS revealed a meaningful increase in the number of people diagnosed with cancer. However, medical experts have cautioned that this rise in diagnoses is overshadowed by critical delays in treatment, which could jeopardize patient outcomes.
According to the NHS monthly data, 78.1% of people received either an all-clear or a definitive cancer diagnosis within 28 days of referral. This figure represents a notable improvement, yet it falls short of the target set by the NHS. Additionally, there has been a 4% increase in urgent referrals of patients suspected of having cancer.
Despite these improvements, Prof Pat Price, a leading oncologist and chair of Radiotherapy UK, has expressed grave concerns. “Thousands of lives are at stake as of the normalization of cancer patients not getting treatment on time,” he said. “We cannot afford to celebrate the diagnosis of more cancer patients when so often these patients end up on huge waiting lists for treatment. Every four weeks of delay in treatment can increase the risk of death by 10% for some cancers.”
the NHS has set ambitious targets to reduce waiting times for cancer treatment by the end of this parliament.Though, achieving these targets will require significant efforts and resources. “it’s the least that cancer patients deserve,” Prof Price added.
Key points: Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Targets
| metric | Current Figure | Target Figure |
|—————————————|—————-|—————|
| Percentage diagnosed within 28 days | 78.1% | 85% |
| Increase in urgent referrals | 4% | N/A |
The data also highlighted the challenges faced by the NHS in meeting its cancer treatment targets. The graph below illustrates the percentage of patients waiting more than 104 days for treatment.
!Treatment wait of more than 104 days graph
Prof Price emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “While marginal improvements in diagnosis rates are encouraging, the real issue lies in the treatment delays. we need to focus on ensuring that patients receive timely treatment to improve their chances of survival.”
The NHS has been under increasing pressure to address these delays, with critics arguing that the current system is failing cancer patients. The stakes are high, and the consequences of not meeting these targets could be devastating for thousands of patients.
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Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in healthcare and cancer treatment. Your support can make a difference.The crisis in cancer care within the NHS has been a significant concern, as highlighted by various experts and organizations. According to a report in the Lancet Oncology, researchers from the Institute of Cancer Policy at King’s College London, along with clinicians from Imperial College London, Radiotherapy UK, and Check4Cancer, have issued an urgent warning about the state of NHS cancer care, describing it as a “watershed moment” [1[1[1[1].
In Wales, the situation has been described as a crisis, with patients experiencing long delays in referrals and treatment. As a notable example, a 29-year-old woman from port Talbot waited nearly eight months for a referral after discovering a potential symptom of cancer [2[2[2[2]. Similarly,oncologists have expressed concern over treatment delays,stating that cancer care in the UK is “in crisis” [3[3[3[3].
Despite these challenges, there have been efforts to improve cancer care. NHS data indicates that while there have been improvements in waiting times for treatment, there is still much work to be done. Prof Peter Johnson, the NHS national clinical director for cancer, noted that while there have been steady reductions in waiting times and improvements in early diagnosis, the NHS remains committed to further enhancing access to cancer care [1[1[1[1].
the crisis in cancer care underscores the urgent need for a thorough and coordinated effort to address the systemic issues affecting patients and healthcare providers alike.
Addressing the Cancer Care Crisis: A Call for Urgent Action
The National cancer plan needs to be radical, accountable, adn focused on drastically improving access to cancer care and reducing delays in treatment. Since 2013, the 62-day target from referral to treatment has become increasingly difficult to meet. Currently, approximately 3,000 patients a month wait at least three months to start cancer treatment. [Source]
Interview with Prof Peter Johnson, NHS National Clinical Director for Cancer
Q: Can you discuss the current state of cancer care in the NHS and the challenges in meeting treatment targets?
A: Certainly. While there have been steady reductions in waiting times and improvements in early diagnosis, we’re still facing critically important challenges. The pandemic has exacerbated existing issues, and the demand for cancer services has surged. Ensuring adequate staffing and resources remains a constant battle.
Q: What are the long-term impacts of delays in treatment on patients?
A: Every month’s delay in treatment can result in approximately a 10% increase in mortality. That means the longer patients wait, the more likely it is that their cancer will progress and become harder to treat. Early intervention is key to improving outcomes and ensuring that patients have the best chance of survival.
Q: How can we improve the consistency and quality of cancer care across different regions?
A: Standardizing practices and protocols across the board is essential. We need to invest in both staff and equipment, ensuring that every region has the tools and personnel they need to provide top-quality care. Collaboration and details sharing between regions can also help identify best practices and innovative solutions.
Q: Can you comment on the recent government’s cancer plan relaunch and its potential impact?
A: The relaunch is a step in the right direction, but it will only be effective if it is indeed backed by adequate funding. the government needs to invest in staff, equipment, and reforms if we are to see significant improvements in cancer care. Without this, the plan risks becoming just another set of well-intentioned recommendations that don’t translate to real-world change.
Q: What helps improve cancer care?
A: Improving cancer care requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes investing in research, enhancing early diagnosis capabilities, and ensuring that healthcare professionals are adequately trained and supported.Additionally, patient education and engagement are crucial to promoting early detection and better health outcomes.
Q: What role does technology play in addressing these challenges?
A: Technology can be a significant ally in improving cancer care. From AI-driven diagnostics to remote consultations and wearable devices for monitoring, technology can help streamline services, improve accuracy, and enhance patient experience. though, robust infrastructure and cybersecurity measures are needed to ensure these technologies are implemented safely and effectively.
Conclusion
The cancer care crisis underscores the urgent need for a thorough and coordinated effort to address the systemic issues affecting patients and healthcare providers alike. While progress has been made, meeting the 62-day target from referral to treatment remains challenging. Ensuring adequate funding and resources, alongside a commitment to innovation and standardization of practices, is essential for realizing a true turning point in cancer care.the government’s recent plan offers a promising framework, but its success will hinge on tangible investments and a comprehensive approach to overcome existing obstacles.
