NHS England Misses 62-Day Cancer Target for 69.9% as March 2027 Goal Slips

1 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 10

Only 69.9% of cancer patients in England started treatment within 62 days of an urgent GP referral, down from 71.9% despite a government plan to reach 80% by March 2027.
Radiotherapy UK estimates more than 3,000 extra patients a month — nearly 15% above current levels — would need to begin treatment on time to meet that target, with referrals still rising.
Broken scanners, staff shortages, pathology backlogs and limited radiotherapy capacity are driving delays, while some trusts also cited industrial action, sickness and dependence on outside diagnostic providers.
Alan, 70, waited nearly five months for lung cancer surgery after cancelled scans, and doctors said the cancer had spread by the time he was operated on, making the procedure more complex.
Cancer specialists and charities say the National Cancer Plan lacks urgency and accountability, noting a promised independent cancer board still has no confirmed leader.