Cancer waiting times: Latest updates and analysis

What does this imply for folks affected by most cancers?

It may be simple to overlook that behind these numbers are actual folks going by an extremely anxious time.

Over 6,500 individuals who began most cancers remedy in June 2023 had waited longer than two months since their pressing referral. If the 62-day goal was met, round 4,200 further sufferers would have begun remedy on time.

Quantifying the impression of lacking targets and longer waits on affected person outcomes is tough because the analysis is proscribed.

The image is completely different for various most cancers sorts – some progress faster than others – however we all know the general impression is more likely to be detrimental. One research estimated {that a} 4-week delay to most cancers surgical procedure led to a 6-8% increased risk of dying.

Individuals with extra aggressive cancers are prioritised for early remedy the place doable, however there might be good the explanation why somebody may expertise a protracted await remedy.

For instance, it might probably take longer to plan remedies aspiring to remedy somebody’s most cancers, and typically sufferers want prehabilitation earlier than beginning remedy to provide them one of the best likelihood of recovering effectively.

However will increase in missed targets imply individuals who want doubtlessly lifesaving most cancers remedies are ready, and worrying, for longer – and that may be a large concern.

Regardless of delays, folks shouldn’t delay coming ahead if they’re nervous about signs. It’s at all times higher to be on the ready checklist than by no means, and if medical doctors are involved, they are going to push issues by as rapidly as doable.

Getting again on observe

We all know that over latest years a significant component contributing to lengthy waits for most cancers prognosis and remedy has been continual shortages of key NHS workers. This is the reason we have now been campaigning for a Lengthy Time period Workforce Plan which handle these workforce shortages and helps get most cancers providers again on observe.

The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan revealed in June was due to this fact a step in the suitable route. It promised £2.4bn in further funding to coach extra workers, and will likely be refreshed each 2 years to assist meet future necessities.

Nevertheless, we have now issues that the plan doesn’t sufficiently handle the dimensions of the problem on recruitment or retention which is holding again most cancers providers. For instance, the plan provides little in the best way of recent funding for measures which were proven maintain workers working in NHS. Moreover, the plan depends closely on making providers working extra effectively, however this not supported with funding to improve NHS tools and infrastructure.

With rising calls for for most cancers providers, the UK Authorities should not miss this chance to show the tide on most cancers waits. To deal with a significant hole within the Lengthy Time period Workforce Plan, it ought to now set out a most cancers particular workforce technique which particulars the variety of professionals wanted to diagnose and deal with most cancers.

The challenges dealing with most cancers providers are vital – however they’re fixable. We’d like the UK Authorities to point out political management on most cancers and ship the care that most cancers sufferers desperately deserve, in the present day and sooner or later. And we’re right here to assist. That’s why we’re setting out sensible insurance policies to enhance most cancers providers forward of the following common election by our Manifesto for Cancer Research and Care.