The latest Macmillan analysis estimates that since the start of the pandemic, over 44,000 fewer Londoners have seen a specialist after an urgent GP referral than expected. This could potentially put those with suspected cancer at risk of a late cancer diagnosis that could affect their outcomes or mean they have to seek an alternative route to diagnosis. This is a drop of 4% that is the equivalent of urgent referrals having been suspended for 6 weeks in London. Across the capital, the number of people meeting the two-week wait target[iv] has now been missed for 17 consecutive months.
In August 2022 alone, 5,250 people had their first appointment with a specialist more than two weeks after their initial urgent referral. In contrast, the monthly average before the pandemic (across 2019) was 2,300 per month, so the number of people waiting longer to see a specialist has more than doubled. Overall, the number of people being seen by a specialist for suspected cancer in London following an urgent referral by their GP was just over 38,000 in August 2022, which is about 14% higher than the pre-Covid-19 average.
The total number of people starting cancer treatment in London since the start of the pandemic is still more than 3,600 lower than expected (a drop of about 4%). Macmillan analysis estimates that the NHS in London would need to work at 110% capacity for 12 months to clear the backlog of first cancer treatments.
In just August 2022, the number of people starting treatment for cancer in London was 3,517, which is a rise of about 13% compared to the pre-pandemic average.
Paola (52) who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and colorectal cancer in 2020, has undergone a range of treatments and experienced delays:
“After my first diagnosis, it took about 6 months for my records to be transferred from Cornwall to London. When I started experiencing some pain under my arm pit and my GP requested a scan to make sure it was nothing serious, months went by. I eventually had a letter through for an oncologist appointment, however the appointment kept getting cancelled. I have yet to see an NHS oncologist for over 3 years.
“In May 2020 I started to get bleeding, was in a lot of pain. By July it had become so bad that I contacted the GP. I was eventually diagnosed with bowel cancer that would have likely been picked up if they scanned me during my breast cancer treatment. [They believe] My bowel cancer tumour took approximately 8 years to grow as large as it did, so it actually came first.”
Emma Tingley, Head of Partnerships in London at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:
“Despite improvements, the latest data continues to illustrate the huge challenge still facing NHS cancer services as we head into winter. Thousands of people living in London are experiencing delays to diagnosis or treatment.
“All healthcare professionals and staff across the capital continue to work tirelessly to offer the best possible care, support people and save lives. But as more and more people enter a cancer care system that is already struggling, the Government must guarantee the NHS has all it needs to address the longstanding challenges cancer care has been facing, including significant staffing shortages. As we know the highest nursing shortages in England are found in London. Without extra funding, we are deeply concerned the situation for people with cancer is set only to go from bad to worse as patients are once again left to pay the price.
“Macmillan continues to support both professionals and thousands of Londoners with cancer or cancer symptoms who may have faced disruption to their treatment or appointments and may be worrying about the long-term implications on their health, families and future.”
For support, contact our specially trained nurses and experts on the Macmillan Support Line, 0808 808 00 00 (8am-8pm, 7 days/week) or visit macmillan.org.uk.
