More than 52,000 cancer patients are left waiting too long for care, figures show
More than 52,000 cancer patients had to wait longer than they should have to be diagnosed and start treatment in the first six months of this year, figures reveal.
Prostate and breast cancer patients faced the most delays amid warnings that the hold-ups increase the risk of death.
NHS England aims to start treatment for 85 per cent of patients within 62 days of an urgent referral.
But it only hit a rate of 68 per cent between January and June – meaning 52,100 waited too long.
Urological cancers – including prostate – accounted for more delays than any other cancer at 14,330.
Breast cancer made up 7,483, lower gastrointestinal – including bowel – 7,052 and gynaecological 3,115.
Studies suggest a four-week delay to cancer surgery increases the risk of dying by 6 per cent to 8 per cent.
Delays can also reduce available treatments as tumours may spread, meaning they can no longer be surgically removed.
More than 52,000 cancer patients had to wait longer than they should have to be diagnosed and start treatment in the first six months of this year, figures reveal (File image of NHS staff on a hospital ward)
NHS England aims to start treatment for 85 per cent of patients within 62 days of an urgent referral (FIle image of NHS logo on a hospital)
Only 55 per cent of head and neck cancer patients were seen on time, compared with 89 per cent of patients with blood cancer.
The figures for prostate cancer and breast cancer were 62 per cent and 70 per cent, respectively.
Naser Turabi, of Cancer Research UK, which analysed the NHS data, said: ‘Every day matters. Delays can result in fewer treatment options, more stress for patients and, for some, worse outcomes.’
He also called on the Government to act, adding: ‘Without decisive leadership and investment, we risk seeing even more patients face unacceptable delays.’
A Department of Health spokesman said: ‘We’re already making an impact, with 95,000 more people having cancer diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days between July 2024 and May 2025, compared to the same period the previous year.’
