The NHS will miss its target of detecting three-quarters of cancer cases early as experts warn thousands are waiting too long to start treatment

The NHS will miss its target of detecting three-quarters of cancer cases early, while thousands wait too long to start treatment, experts warn.

Nearly three in five cancers – including breast, prostate and lung cancer – are now found in the first or second stages, when treatment is most likely to be successful.

But despite record numbers being diagnosed early, the slow pace of progress means the 2028 target is ‘out of reach’.

Cancer registry data shows that 120,958 of the 206,038 common cancers (58.7 percent) diagnosed between September 2023 and August 2024 were identified at an early stage.

This is 2.7 per cent more than before the pandemic, but remains well below the 75 per cent target set as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.

Doctors said the data “risks masking the wider cancer crisis”, with patients routinely waiting too long before starting treatment, hampering their chances of survival.

Oncologist Professor Pat Price, head of the charity Radiotherapy UK, said: ‘The NHS’s ambition to diagnose 75 per cent of cancers early by 2028 already seems out of reach.

‘Diagnosing cancer patients early is crucial, but there is a risk of masking the wider cancer crisis if waiting times for treatments are not also addressed.

Cancer registry data shows that 120,958 of the 206,038 common cancers diagnosed between September 2023 and August 2024 were identified at an early stage (stock photo)

‘As more cancer patients every month face near-record treatment delays, urgent action is needed.’

Claire Rowney, CEO of Breast Cancer Now, said that ‘much more needs to be done to ensure that as many breast cancers as possible are diagnosed at the earliest possible stage’.

She added: ‘Currently, far too many women are missing out on vital breast screening that can detect the disease at its earliest stages, when treatment is most likely to succeed.

‘Furthermore, it is deeply concerning that so many people are having to wait a long and anxious time for possible symptoms of breast cancer to be investigated, diagnosed and started with the essential treatment that will give them the best chance of survival.

‘We know that ensuring early diagnosis for breast cancer patients is fundamental to saving more lives from the disease. That’s why Breast Cancer Now is calling for urgent action to improve the uptake of breast cancer screening, in addition to accelerating breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.”

NHS figures show that more than three million people (3,071,055) were tested for cancer last year, a jump of more than 700,000 compared to five years ago and an increase of 100,000 in just twelve months.

The increase in diagnoses equates to around 7,000 extra patients, according to the NHS analysis.

But the latest NHS data also shows that hospitals are routinely missing treatment targets.

More than 9,000 people waited more than 62 days to start following an urgent referral for suspected cancer in October, including more than 3,300 who waited at least two months.

This is despite the fact that research shows that every month of delay in starting treatment typically reduces survival chances by ten percent.

Healthcare leaders have launched a major drive over the past two years to encourage millions of people to come forward for potentially life-saving check-ups, especially those who are at higher risk due to hereditary or lifestyle factors.

Queen Camilla looks on as Dame Cally Palmer gives a speech during a visit to Maggies at The Royal Marsden on February 6, 2020

An example of this is posting messages on urinal mats in pubs and football pitches asking if there is ‘blood in your pee’? This could be a symptom of bladder, kidney or prostate cancer.

Since its launch in 2019, more than 5,000 people have been previously diagnosed with Lung Health Check (TLHC). This uses mobile scanning vans to provide in-depth checks to people in shopping centres, sports stadiums, food banks and supermarket car parks.

But levels for routine screening, such as breast and cervical cancer, remain below pre-pandemic levels, with the latter falling steadily over the past decade.

NHS England’s top cancer doctor said the growing aging population means cancer rates will continue to rise.

Professor Peter Johnson said: ‘Our work to raise awareness, warn people at risk and encourage people to come forward for checks is vital to ensure people can get treatment quickly.

‘Talking about cancer also helps save lives, so if you see friends and loved ones this New Year, reach out and have a conversation.’

Dame Cally Palmer, National Cancer Director for NHS England, said: ‘Lives are saved when cancer is detected early – and after a big push on early detection in recent years, it is really encouraging to see that more people than ever are experiencing cancer. diagnosis is made on time. earlier stage.

‘There is much more to do to save more lives and we will not give up our efforts to detect more cancer cases earlier, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

‘NHS teams across the country continue to carry out tests and checks closer to people who need them, and as new treatments continue to become available, we will continue to do everything we can to get people seen and treated for cancer as early as possible. possible.’

Last month the government said it would publish a National Cancer Plan ‘in due course’.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘This Government will transform diagnostic services so we can detect even more cases earlier and treat cancer faster, delivering an additional 40,000 appointments for elective care every week.

‘As part of our Plan for Change, we are determined to fit the NHS for the future and fight cancer on all fronts – by improving prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and research.’