There is still a long way to go to overcome the damage caused by the pandemic and clear the cancer care backlog in London.
According to the most recent Cancer Waiting Times data published by NHS England for January 2022[i], the number of people being seen by a specialist for suspected cancer in London following an urgent referral by their GP was 6% lower than the pre-Covid average[ii]. This comes at a time when there is a desperate need to diagnose and treat people who are currently ‘missing’ a cancer diagnosis because of the ongoing disruption caused by the pandemic. Only 80% of people were seen by a specialist in London within 2 weeks of their urgent GP referral, against a national target of 93%[iii]. That means that nearly 6,500 Londoners waited more than two weeks for their first consultant appointment after their initial urgent referral[iv].
In terms of the number of people starting treatment for cancer in January 2022, it is broadly similar to the pre-pandemic average[v], which is not enough to clear the cancer treatment backlog in the capital.
Emma Tingley, Macmillan Head of Partnerships for London, said:
“The time to clear the cancer care backlog in London is now. Healthcare professionals and staff across the capital work tirelessly to offer the best possible care, support people and save lives. But the NHS was at breaking point even before the pandemic. After years of failing to deliver the long-term funding that the NHS cancer workforce needs, it was disappointing to hear that the government is not planning on investing in the workforce.
“Macmillan continues to fund professionals and support thousands of Londoners with cancer or cancer symptoms who may have faced disruption to their treatment or appointments. Too many people are waiting too long for vital tests and treatment and the number of people being diagnosed with cancer each year continues to grow. More needs to be done. Without concrete investment to urgently increase the number of cancer staff to provide the care and support that people with cancer need, any new ambitions and plans will fail.”
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.
