Thousands of patients in England are missing cancer treatment targets, with recent data showing a decline in performance despite government plans to improve wait times by 2027.

NHS England data shows that 69.9% of patients now start cancer treatment within the 62-day target timeframe, a decrease from the previous 71.9%. This decline persists despite the government's National Cancer Plan, which aims for 80% of patients to start treatment within 62 days of an urgent GP referral by March 2027, rising to 85% thereafter.

Impact on Patients and Treatment Delays

Patients like 70-year-old Alan, who waited nearly five months for lung cancer surgery after a nodule was found, have experienced complications due to delays. During his wait, his cancer spread to his lymph nodes, and the nodule grew at an alarming rate. Clinical experts note that for every month a patient waits for treatment, their chance of survival decreases by approximately 10%. Prof. Pat Price, a clinical academic oncologist, argues that current government targets are becoming impossible to reach due to a lack of momentum and accountability. Analysis by Radiotherapy UK indicates that an additional 3,000 patients would need to start treatment monthly—a 15% increase—to meet the 2027 goals, a figure expected to rise as referrals increase.

Operational Challenges and Local Efforts

NHS trusts across England report widespread pressures, including rising demand, workforce shortages, and diagnostic bottlenecks. Some trusts have also cited industrial action, staff sickness, and reliance on external diagnostic providers as factors affecting performance. While some organizations are redesigning pathways and investing in capacity, many are still failing to meet national targets. In Salisbury, staff are focusing on operational basics, such as ensuring surgical lists are full and reducing missed appointments caused by factors like transport issues or anxiety. Cancer manager Emilia Scutt noted that supporting patients to ensure they attend appointments has helped improve local numbers, though the system remains stretched.

Government Response and Future Goals

The government has committed to the National Cancer Plan, with a spokesperson stating they are determined to return performance to expected standards. However, critics like Steve Haines of Macmillan Cancer Support emphasize that the government must match its ambitions with urgency, specifically calling for the establishment of an independent cancer board to oversee progress. Currently, it remains unknown who will lead this board, which was a key component of the original plan.