An analysis by Cancer Research UK reveals significant disparities in waiting times for cancer treatments in England. Patients with head, neck, and bowel cancers face the longest delays, with just over half being treated within the 62-day target, compared to those with blood, bone marrow, and skin cancers who typically receive timely treatment. Such delays, according to the charity, can increase the risk of death by 6-8% with each four-week delay in surgery.
Jayne Gray’s case exemplifies this issue—she waited 74 days for bladder cancer treatment and passed away in 2021. Her daughter reflects on the emotional toll of the delay, questioning if earlier treatment could have changed the outcome.
Staff shortages, complexities in diagnosis, and increased referrals—such as for bowel cancer—are among the reasons behind these delays. Cancer waiting times are currently at their worst levels, with England missing the 62-day target since 2015. Without improvement, over 300,000 patients could miss this target in the next five years.
Efforts to reform the NHS and improve cancer care are underway, with a 10-year plan promised by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Should there be a more urgent national effort to address cancer treatment delays to save lives, or are broader NHS reforms a higher priority?