Recent analysis of NHS England data has highlighted a troubling trend: the vast majority of NHS trusts are struggling to meet critical targets for cancer treatment, leaving many patients waiting for care longer than the recommended timeframe. With some individuals enduring waits of over 104 days, the situation raises serious concerns about the accessibility and efficiency of cancer care across the country.
Insufficient Progress on Treatment Timelines
The NHS has long maintained a standard that 85 per cent of cancer patients should begin treatment within 62 days of their referral. However, this benchmark has not been met since 2014. In light of ongoing difficulties within the system, the government has set a new interim target of achieving 75 per cent compliance by March 2026. Unfortunately, the latest figures reveal that only three out of 119 acute trusts managed to meet or exceed the 85 per cent goal last year, while merely a quarter achieved the 75 per cent mark.
The trusts that successfully met the 85 per cent target in 2025 include Calderdale and Huddersfield, which managed to treat 89.2 per cent of patients within the stipulated time, followed closely by Homerton Healthcare at 85.8 per cent and Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells at 85.7 per cent. Conversely, several trusts fell dramatically short, with Mid & South Essex treating only 45.4 per cent of patients within the required timeframe, 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%).
A Nationwide Concern
In total, 69.1 per cent of cancer patients across England started treatment within 62 days last year, a slight improvement from the previous year’s 67.7 per cent. This progress, however, remains far from satisfactory and underscores the need for systemic reform. Among the 119 trusts evaluated, 65 saw an increase in the percentage of patients treated within 62 days, whereas 54 experienced a decline. Alarmingly, some trusts reported that over one in seven patients starting treatment in December 2025 had been waiting for more than 104 days.
Among the trusts with the most significant delays, University Hospitals of Leicester reported that 13.7 per cent of patients faced these long waits, while Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn had 14.5 per cent, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals 14.9 per cent, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ 15.5 per cent. The situation was particularly critical at Hull University Teaching Hospitals and Mid and South Essex, where one in six patients experienced waits exceeding 104 days.
Calls for Action
Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, expressed her concern over these delays, stating, “Every cancer patient deserves access to timely, high-quality care.” She acknowledged the hard work of NHS staff in navigating increasing pressures on cancer services but pointed out that unacceptable delays continue to plague the system. Mitchell emphasised the importance of substantial investment in the NHS workforce and equipment to effect meaningful change for patients nationwide.
Bea Taylor, a fellow at the Nuffield Trust think tank, noted that the NHS frequently struggles to maintain progress on improving cancer waiting times. She warned that stagnation is not an option as trusts strive to meet the 85 per cent target. Taylor highlighted that the UK lags behind other nations in cancer outcomes, attributing this to longstanding gaps in investment and staffing, particularly in diagnostic equipment compared to countries like Germany, Sweden, and Italy.
In response to the alarming data, NHS representatives have pointed out that the organisation is treating record numbers of cancer patients, with more than three-quarters receiving a diagnosis or an all-clear within four weeks. However, NHS officials acknowledge that many patients still face unacceptably long waits for treatment.
Various NHS trusts have committed to addressing these issues. Kirsten Major, Chief Executive of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, emphasised that improving cancer waiting times is a top priority, and the trust is already implementing measures to enhance care efficiency. Meanwhile, clinicians at Hull University Teaching Hospitals are working on a comprehensive improvement plan to expedite diagnosis and treatment procedures.
Why it Matters
The implications of these delays extend beyond mere statistics; they represent real-world consequences for patients battling cancer. Timely access to treatment is crucial for improving survival rates and quality of life. As the NHS grapples with these challenges, it is imperative that both leadership and frontline staff work collaboratively to ensure that every patient receives the prompt, high-quality care they deserve. The ongoing situation calls for immediate attention and investment to bridge the gaps in cancer care, ensuring that no patient is left waiting in uncertainty during one of the most critical times of their lives.
