The latest Macmillan analysis estimates that since the start of the pandemic, over 49,000 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 5% that is the equivalent of urgent referrals having been suspended for more than 6 weeks in London. Across the capital, the number of people meeting the two-week wait target has remained lower in 2022 than at almost any point in 2020, with the exception of April 2020. This target has now been missed for 16 consecutive months.
In July 2022 alone, 5,168 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.
The total number of people starting cancer treatment in London since the start of the pandemic is still more than 4,000 lower than expected (a drop of about 5%). Macmillan analysis estimates that the NHS in London would need to work at 110% capacity for 13 months to clear the backlog of first cancer treatments[v].
Emma Tingley, Head of Partnerships in London at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:
“The latest data continues to illustrate the huge challenge still facing NHS cancer services. Thousands of people living in London are experiencing delays to diagnosis or starting treatment. Day in, day out, Macmillan hears from people who are worried about the impact of these delays on their prognosis and quality of care.
“All healthcare professionals and staff across the capital have been working and continue to work tirelessly to offer the best possible care, support people and save lives. But the Government needs to ensure cancer is a priority. The new 10-year Cancer Plan is needed now, which needs to include details on how the Government will train and retain more cancer professionals, so that all people with cancer get the timely and quality care they need and deserve.
“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.
