NEARLY 400,000 NHS patients have waited longer than two months to start cancer treatment since 2015, according to a report.
Cancer Research UK said long delays trigger “stress and anxiety” for people who know they have a tumour.
AlamyMany patients have to wait longer than target times to start treatment (stock image)[/caption]
NHS figures show that about a third of new patients wait more than the 62-day target between a doctor’s referral and beginning potentially lifesaving treatment.
The health service target is for 85 per cent of patients to be treated faster than that but it has not been met since December 2015.
In that time, CRUK estimates 382,000 people have languished for longer than eight weeks.
Chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: “Each of these numbers is a friend, family member, and loved one who is facing unbearably long waits for their treatment to begin, causing stress and anxiety.”
Pressure on clinics rising as cases increase
Hospitals say a shortage of staff, cash and scanning machines is slowing down cancer clinics.
Cases are rising every year, with 2.2million more tumour diagnoses expected in the next five years.
Ms Mitchell said: “Nearly one in two people will get cancer in their lifetime and it affects every family in every community.
“Any incoming UK government must make tackling cancer waits a top priority.”
A separate report by the Royal College of Radiologists warned delays in cancer care are now routine.
Mairaid McMahon, from Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Data consistently tells a story of far too many people waiting too long for potentially lifesaving treatment to begin – it can’t go on.”
An NHS spokesperson said: “The NHS is seeing and treating record numbers of people for cancer – more people than ever before have been diagnosed at an early stage and cancer survival is at an all-time high.
“It is vital that people come forward if they are concerned about cancer symptoms.
“Getting checked early saves lives.”
NHS CANCER TARGETS EXPLAINED
THE NHS in England has three targets for the time it takes to diagnose and treat cancer patients
75 per cent of patients must be diagnosed or given the all-clear within 28 days of their first urgent referral to a cancer doctor. Clinics are currently meeting this target, processing 77 per cent in that time in March 2024.
96 per cent of patients must begin treatment within 31 days of a doctor deciding they need treatment. Clinics are currently failing to meet this target, with 91 per cent in March 2024.
85 per cent of patients must begin treatment within 62 days of their first urgent doctor’s referral or screening result. Clinics are failing to meet this target, with 69 per cent in March 2024.