Nearly three quarters of NHS trusts failing to hit cancer referral target

NHS trusts across the country are consistently failing to hit cancer referral targets, which dictate that 93% of patients are seen within two weeks following a referral.

According to the analysis by PA new agency, only 28% of trusts have met this target over the last three years. This is concerning, considering that this target is a minimum standard, according to Naser Turabi, director of evidence and implementation at Cancer Research UK.

“The fact that [this target] is now not being met just goes to show how strained our health service has become. We expect the number of people going to the doctor about suspected cancer to fluctuate throughout the year, but the NHS should be equipped for that,” she said.

Some trusts haven’t hit the cancer referral target once since 2020

The data includes 117 trusts in England for whom there is complete data for the last three years (August 2019 to August 2022).

The 12-month rolling average for the number of trusts not hitting the cancer referral target currently stands at 84 out of 117, meaning that nearly three quarters (72%) have failed to reach this target in the last three years.

Some trusts, including West Suffolk, Leeds Teaching Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital in Essex, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals and Oxford University Hospitals have not met the target for more than two years.

North-West Anglia, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals, United Lincolnshire Hospitals and Country Durham & Darlington all achieved the target for just one month out of 37.

The best performing trusts are Calderdale & Huddersfield, East Kent Hospitals University and Portsmouth Hospitals University, which have never missed their operational standard of 93%.

Patients urged to act quickly if they have symptoms or concerns

Minesh Patel, head of policy at Macmillan Cancer Support, says the reason for these delays is in-part caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has created a backlog of care.

While more people are coming forward for cancer checks and being referred to secondary care, this is causing pressures further on in the system.

“There are huge pressures even at that early stage of the cancer pathway, let alone when you get to treatment, and it is really worrying for somebody’s prognosis.

“If somebody starts treatment later, the more worrying the outcome could be in terms of their ability to survive their cancer, to have minimal after-effects after a treatment.

“This is about survival and giving people the best chance and improving their quality of life ultimately,” he said.

Mr Turabi reminds the public to act quickly if they have any concerns. “It’s better to be on a waiting list than to sit at home with symptoms,” he said. “Listen to your body – if you sense something isn’t right, see your GP and persevere to get an appointment. Your doctor wants to hear from you.”

Government must publish 10-year cancer plan

Cancer Research UK is now urging the government to publish its 10-year cancer plan, with a fully-costed and comprehensive plan for investment in cancer workforce.

The NHS has also said it is working hard to reduce the backlog of care, and has written to trusts with the longest waiting times asking them to urgently set out plans to ensure patients are seen quickly.