According to the latest analysis by Macmillan Cancer Support and the latest NHS figures[i], the target for people receiving their first cancer treatment within a month after diagnosis was missed again in February of this year. The target has only been met 9 months out of 38 since 2020[ii].
The target for people waiting for a diagnosis shows even worse performance. The target is to see a specialist within two weeks after an urgent GP referral and it has been missed for 23 months in a row including February of this year[iii].
Although the performance has been improving in London, 3,638 people waited longer than 2 weeks to see a specialist[iv] and 168 people waited longer than a month to get treatment in February alone[v].
Emma Tingley, Head of Partnerships in London at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:
“Despite the cost-of-living crisis and other pressures, performance in London is improving. Record numbers of people are coming into the NHS to receive cancer diagnosis and treatment due only to the sheer effort of will being shown by NHS staff. The UK Government needs to step up, support the workforce, help cancer services recover and improve agonising waiting times.”
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.
