According to the latest analysis by Macmillan Cancer Support, 5,696 people in London waited longer than two weeks to see a specialist for suspected cancer in June alone[i]. In addition, 640 people with cancer waited longer than two months to receive treatment after an urgent GP referral[ii]. Waiting for a possible diagnosis or treatment may have serious implications for people’s health.
Further new analysis from Macmillan shows almost 1 in 3 (30%) people with cancer in London who have been diagnosed in the past decade and experienced long waits for NHS cancer care said they believe their cancer had progressed or got worse, leaving some with an incurable diagnosis, or that they had been left with fewer treatment options, such as surgery no longer being possible[iii].
Macmillan estimates that at least 12,700 people in London have faced worse outcomes from their cancer diagnosis because of the growing delays in starting treatment[iv].
Waiting can have implications for people’s mental health too. Around 1 in 6 people diagnosed with cancer in London in the last decade (17%)[v] – equivalent to more than 30,000 people – say that their physical or mental health has suffered, or they’ve experienced stress or anxiety about their treatment or care because they have experienced delays.[vi]
According to Macmillan’s analysis of NHS figures, the target for people receiving their first cancer treatment within two months after an urgent GP referral has not been met in London overall since at least 2018[vii]. And the target for people seeing a specialist after an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer has not been met in London since March 2021[viii].
Grace from London was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023:
“After my routine mammogram in December 2022, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had an operation to remove the tumour in February 2023. So far so good. But that’s when my ordeal began. It took a lot of pushing and persistence, a lot of phone calls and appointments to finally get the biopsy results from the operation. Communication was very poor to non-existent. After the operation it’s as if I dropped off the face of the earth. The delays affected me a great deal.”
Emma Tingley, Head of Partnerships in London at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:
“Our NHS is facing immense pressures. Record numbers of people have been coming into the system to receive cancer diagnosis and treatment and more and more people in London are left waiting to see specialists for suspected cancer or to receive treatment after a diagnosis. The UK government needs to step up and support the NHS. These delays can have serious consequences for people’s physical and mental health. Macmillan continues to support the NHS and its staff in the primary, secondary and community setting. Above all, Macmillan is there for people with cancer who need help with any physical, practical, emotional and financial concerns.”
Macmillan is here for people living with cancer every step of the way, whatever they need. If you are worried about a cancer diagnosis or treatment, trained nurses and advisers on Macmillan’s Support Line are available to offer support 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week. For anyone concerned about symptoms they are worried might be cancer, it is always recommended to speak to your healthcare provider. They will always want to hear from you if you have concerns about cancer.
For more information, visit macmillan.org.uk or call Macmillan’s Support Line on 0808 808 00 00
