Responding to new analysis from Cancer Research UK revealing more than 300,000 cancer patients will face treatment delays over the next five years unless the Government drives up NHS performance, Claire Rowney, chief executive at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“These latest bleak figures emphasise a devastating ‘new normal’ of long waits for people to get a cancer diagnosis and start vital treatment that gives them the best chance of survival.
“Despite NHS staff working tirelessly failure to meet existing targets has left too many people with breast cancer waiting too long, for the care they should be able to rely on. We estimate that in three years (April 2021-March 2024) of missing the 85% target to begin breast cancer treatment within 62-days of urgent referral 10,130 people have been denied prompt treatment.[1]
“Urgent action is needed to reverse these unacceptable delays in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in England and reduce the agonising waits far too many people face. That’s why we’re calling for the government's upcoming 10-year plan for health to include ambitious, long-term solutions to tackle the issues being faced by cancer patients, and ensure it’s backed by a fully funded and staffed workforce.
“As well as meeting all current targets, NHS England must record and publish waiting times data for every stage of the breast cancer pathway. This must include waiting times for vital test results needed to decide on treatment, so NHS England can better identify delays and address bottlenecks.
“Only then will we guarantee people with breast cancer the best chances of survival, both now and in the decades to come.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
[1] The target for 85% of people with breast cancer to start treatment within 62 days of urgent referral was last met in November 2020. Breast Cancer Now analysis of NHS England cancer waiting times data (https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/cancer-waiting-times/). Using 62 day urgent suspected breast cancer data between April 2021 and March 2024, if 85% target for breast cancer had been met, 10,130 people would have started their treatment within the 62 day target.