UK Government Faces Cancer Treatment Target Failure, Analysis Warns

The United Kingdom government is projected to miss its target for treating urgent cancer referrals within two months in England, according to an analysis by Cancer Research UK. The charity suggests that the goal may not be achieved until 2032 without significant improvements in cancer care.

NHS England established a pledge in February to ensure that by March 2029, 85 percent of patients with suspected cancer would begin treatment within 62 days. However, this target has not been met since December 2015. The pledge is a key component of the Government's National Cancer Plan, which aims for three-quarters of cancer patients to survive for at least five years by 2035.

Current figures indicate that only 71 percent of patients in England commence treatment within the two-month timeframe. The Cancer Research UK analysis estimates this figure will only rise to 77.8 percent by 2029, falling short of the 85 percent objective. The two-month period commences when a GP first identifies signs of suspected cancer and concludes when treatment begins, provided the diagnosis is confirmed.

The report further estimates that an additional 51,000 patients need to start treatment on time over the next three years for the NHS to reach the 85 percent goal. Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, urged ministers to "urgently turn up the dial to meet its commitments in England." She stated, "Cancer patients deserve more than ambitions. They deserve an NHS that has the staff and equipment it needs to diagnose and treat cancer on time, giving everyone the best possible chance of beating the disease."

The charity is advocating for the publication of a national strategy detailing how the government intends to enhance NHS capacity and is calling for increased investment in cancer treatment facilities. "Publishing The National Cancer Plan is not a job done. Urgent action is needed, or too many patients will continue to wait too long for vital care," Mitchell added.

Recent data revealed that NHS treatment delays in England reached their highest point in nearly a year in July, with the waiting list for specialists climbing to 7.33 million people. This included over 111,000 individuals waiting more than a year for treatment.

A government spokesperson responded that Cancer Research UK's analysis does "not take into account future changes and improvements" planned under the National Cancer Plan. The spokesperson asserted that progress has been made on the plan's goals despite high demand and that the government will reduce waiting times through initiatives like new surgical hubs and an expansion of NHS diagnostics.