New data reveals that a staggering number of cancer patients in England are facing treatment delays, with many waiting over 104 days for vital care. The analysis of NHS England statistics has highlighted that almost all NHS trusts have failed to meet the established targets for cancer treatment, raising significant concerns about the quality of care being provided to patients.
Alarming Statistics on Treatment Delays
The NHS has long set a benchmark that mandates 85% of cancer patients should begin treatment within 62 days of being referred. However, this goal has not been achieved since 2014. The government has since introduced an interim target, aiming for 75% compliance by March 2026, but current performance indicates a troubling trend.
In 2025, only three out of 119 acute trusts managed to meet or exceed the 85% target: Calderdale and Huddersfield (89.2%), Homerton Healthcare (85.8%), and Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells (85.7%). In stark contrast, some of the lowest-performing trusts reported that fewer than 50% of patients were treated within the recommended timeframe, with Mid & South Essex seeing only 45.4% of patients within the 62-day limit.
Overall, just 69.1% of cancer patients across England started treatment within the designated period, an increase from 67.7% in 2024 but still alarmingly below the targets set. This lack of progress underscores the pressing need for systemic improvements within the NHS.
Disparities Among NHS Trusts
The new figures reveal significant disparities in performance across various NHS trusts. A concerning number of patients are experiencing excessive delays, with reports indicating that at least one in seven patients at certain trusts waited more than 104 days for treatment following an urgent referral. For instance, University Hospitals of Leicester reported that 13.7% of patients faced such delays, while figures were even higher at Guy’s and St Thomas’ (15.5%) and Hull University Teaching Hospitals (16.5%).
Despite some trusts making progress, with 65 out of 119 showing year-on-year improvements in timely treatment rates, the overall picture remains bleak. Only 33 trusts achieved the 75% threshold for timely treatment in 2025, a slight increase from 29 in 2024. The NHS continues to grapple with pressure on resources and staffing shortages, which have been exacerbated in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Voices from the Frontline
Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, emphasised the urgent need for timely and high-quality care for every cancer patient. “Although NHS staff are working tirelessly to manage the increasing demands on cancer services, far too many individuals are still facing unacceptable delays for crucial treatment,” she stated. Mitchell further highlighted that, while the government has made commitments to improve waiting times by 2029, the current pace of progress is insufficient.
Leaders within the NHS have acknowledged these challenges. Kirsten Major, Chief Executive of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, expressed concern over the decline in cancer waiting time performance, reaffirming that it is a top priority for the trust. Major detailed measures being implemented, including increased clinic hours and enhanced diagnostic capacity, to address these delays.
Similarly, Dawn Scrafield, Chief Executive of Mid & South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, noted that investment in new technologies and increased outpatient services is crucial for enhancing patient care. “Our patients deserve better,” Scrafield asserted, indicating a commitment to reducing wait times through proactive measures.
The Path Forward
As NHS trusts continue to confront these challenges, the integration of innovative solutions will be essential. Experts suggest that leveraging advancements in digital technology, such as artificial intelligence, could expedite diagnosis and improve treatment timelines. However, substantial investment in workforce expansion and essential equipment is necessary to facilitate these changes effectively.
An NHS spokesperson stated that while record numbers of patients are being seen and treated, the long waits for some individuals are unacceptable. The National Cancer Plan aims to ensure compliance with treatment standards over the next three years, pledging to enhance personalised care and significantly boost survival rates.
Why it Matters
The growing waiting lists for cancer treatment pose a serious threat to patient outcomes and overall public health in the UK. As delays accumulate, the emotional and physical toll on patients and their families is profound, underscoring the urgent need for reforms within the NHS. Ensuring timely access to cancer care is not just a matter of efficiency; it is a critical factor in saving lives and improving the quality of care for those affected by cancer. As the NHS strives to meet its targets, the commitment to overcoming these challenges must remain resolute, with a clear focus on patient wellbeing at the forefront.
