Recent figures reveal a troubling trend within the NHS, as nearly all acute trusts across England are failing to meet crucial cancer treatment targets. Analysis highlights that some patients are enduring waits of over 104 days for vital care, prompting urgent calls for improvement.
Alarming Statistics on Waiting Times
Data from NHS England indicates that only three out of 119 acute trusts achieved or surpassed the 85% target for cancer treatment initiation within 62 days of referral last year. The benchmark, established to ensure timely access to care for cancer patients, has not been met since 2014. In light of ongoing challenges, the government has set a more achievable interim target of 75% by March 2026.
While the overall percentage of patients starting treatment within the required timeframe has seen a slight improvement—rising from 67.7% in 2024 to 69.1% in 2025—this still falls significantly short of the national goal. The three trusts that met the 85% target in 2025 were Calderdale and Huddersfield (89.2%), Homerton Healthcare (85.8%), and Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells (85.7%).
Conversely, the lowest performers include Mid & South Essex, which saw only 45.4% of patients treated within the 62-day window, followed by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals (50.1%), Hull University Teaching Hospitals (53.1%), Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn (54.2%), and Guy’s & St Thomas’ in London (55.1%).
The Impact of Delays on Patients
The waiting times have dire consequences for patients. Recent analysis disclosed that in several trusts, at least one in seven patients began treatment after waiting more than 104 days following an urgent referral. Notably, University Hospitals of Leicester reported that 13.7% of patients faced such delays, with Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn at 14.5%, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals at 14.9%, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ at 15.5%. In some cases, the proportion of patients waiting exceeded one in six, with Hull University Teaching Hospitals and Mid and South Essex reporting figures of 16.5% and 17.0%, respectively.
Despite these statistics, 65 of the 119 trusts experienced an increase in the percentage of patients seen within the crucial timeframe year-on-year. However, only around a quarter of trusts managed to meet the 75% threshold in 2025, a slight increase from 29 trusts in 2024.
Voices from the Frontline
Michelle Mitchell, CEO of Cancer Research UK, expressed her concern over the unacceptable delays faced by patients. “Every cancer patient deserves access to timely, high-quality care,” she stated. “Although NHS staff are working hard to cope with increasing pressure on cancer services, far too many people still face unacceptable delays for vital treatment.” She emphasised the need for enhanced investment in healthcare resources to bring about meaningful change.
Bea Taylor from the Nuffield Trust echoed these sentiments, stating that the NHS has historically struggled to maintain progress in improving cancer waiting times. “There isn’t time for stagnation as trusts work towards the 85% target,” she cautioned. Taylor highlighted the importance of consistent momentum and urged for increased investment in staff and equipment to bridge the existing gaps.
An NHS spokesperson acknowledged the challenges, noting that while the NHS is treating record numbers of cancer patients—over 75% receiving a diagnosis or all clear within four weeks—too many individuals still face long waits for their first treatment. The spokesperson reiterated the commitment to ensuring timely treatment through the National Cancer Plan.
Commitment to Improvement
Trust leaders are taking steps to address these issues. Kirsten Major, Chief Executive of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, acknowledged a drop in performance but reassured that improving cancer waiting times is a top priority. “We have already taken actions to turn this around, including additional clinics and diagnostic capacity,” she said, noting a consistent improvement in waiting times each month.
Similarly, representatives from Hull University Teaching Hospitals and Mid & South Essex NHS Foundation Trust spoke about their commitment to enhancing care. They are implementing improvement plans, increasing diagnostic capacity, and expanding clinic offerings to reduce waiting times for patients.
Why it Matters
The prolonged waits for cancer treatment pose a significant threat to patient outcomes and well-being. Timely access to care is critical for improving survival rates, and the current situation underscores the urgent need for systemic changes within the NHS. With the government pledging to meet all cancer waiting time targets by 2029, swift action and increased investment are essential to ensure that every patient receives the high-quality care they deserve. As we navigate these challenges, the focus must remain on providing the necessary resources and support to healthcare professionals, enabling them to deliver timely and effective treatment for all.
