Cancer Charity Calls for Increased Funding to Reach Treatment Goals

An analysis conducted by Cancer Research UK, the nation’s premier cancer research organization, indicates that more than 300,000 cancer patients could experience delays in treatment over the next five years unless the government improves NHS performance.

The charity projects that there will be 17.2 million urgent suspected cancer referrals in England in the next five years, with a 20 percent increase by 2029 compared to the previous year alone.

Cancer Research UK, a registered charity generating £719 million in revenue in 2023, is recognized as the leading independent cancer research organization worldwide in the multi-billion pound cancer industry.

Although the current NHS waiting times target aims for 85 percent of cancer patients to commence treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral, this target has not been met since 2015.

In the first half of this year, the analysis revealed that only 65.9 percent of cancer patients in England received treatment within the target timeline, resulting in over 30,000 patients not starting treatment on schedule.

Between now and 2029, the charity anticipates that over 301,000 individuals will not receive timely treatment, with the number of urgent suspected cancer referrals escalating by 20 percent from 3.1 million in 2023 to approximately 3.75 million.

‘Ageing and Growing Population’

The charity attributes the steep rise in cancer rates to an aging and expanding population, highlighting that patients often endure prolonged waits for diagnosis due to insufficient staff and diagnostic equipment.

The prediction follows a recent NHS report by surgeon and former minister Lord Darzi, which highlighted the persistent lag in cancer care in England compared to similar nations and higher mortality rates.

While some progress has been noted in recent figures, Cancer Research UK emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive long-term cancer strategy to fulfill the government’s treatment targets.

Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive, warns the government of the alarming data and expresses optimism about collaborating with the government towards meeting cancer wait time objectives as pledged by Health Secretary Wes Streeting.

‘No Easy Fix’

Mitchell acknowledges the absence of a quick solution to the problem and stresses the importance of long-term planning to equip the NHS adequately with staff and resources for effective cancer treatment.

Claire Rowney, Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Now, underscores the dire situation of extended waits for cancer diagnosis and treatment, urging ambitious solutions in the forthcoming 10-year health plan supported by a well-funded workforce.

A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care vows to address the disparity in cancer treatment outcomes compared to other countries and outlines plans within the 10-year strategy to enhance cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research to provide comprehensive care.

An NHS representative highlights the intensified efforts by staff in increasing cancer screenings, achieving quicker diagnosis rates, and ensuring timely treatment initiation for a majority of patients.

PA Media contributed to this article