Over 300,000 Cancer Patients Face Treatment Delays Due to NHS Shortfalls

Analysis reveals significant variations in cancer treatment wait times across England, with urgent calls for long-term NHS reform.

Patients with head, neck, bowel, and gynecological cancers experience the longest treatment delays, with just over half seen within the 62-day target.
In contrast, patients with blood, bone marrow, and skin cancers are more likely to start treatment on time.
A four-week delay in surgery can increase the risk of dying by 6-8%, highlighting the critical need for timely treatment.
Cancer Research UK projects that more than 300,000 patients will miss the 62-day treatment target over the next five years unless NHS performance improves.
The Department of Health and Social Care plans to unveil a 10-year strategy to address the NHS's shortcomings and improve cancer care.