According to the latest analysis by Macmillan Cancer Support, the average number of people in London waiting over two weeks to see a specialist after an urgent referral for cancer from their GP[i] was around 2,300 per month in 2019. In January 2023, the number of people waiting went up to 4,730[ii], which means the number waiting too long every month has doubled in three years.
Performance against the target of being seen by a specialist for suspected cancer within two weeks after an GP urgent referral has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels. By January 2023, the target had been missed for 22 consecutive months.
The average number of people who waited over 31 days to start treatment was around 80 per month in 2019. In January 2023, the number of people waiting was almost 260, which is the second worst performance in the last 5 years.
Emma Tingley, Head of Partnerships in London at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:
“Absolutely no one should doubt the sheer effort of will being shown by NHS staff across London. Record numbers of people are coming into the system via their GP for a possible diagnosis or treatment. But it is a system that is consistently failing to keep up with the rising demand or to manage the wider pressures being placed upon it. Since the pandemic the number of Londoners waiting too long to find out if they have cancer or to receive treatment has doubled and they’re left feeling their lives are hanging in the balance. The UK Government needs to take urgent action to 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.
