Responding to the latest cancer waiting times in England, published during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Claire Rowney, chief executive at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“That over 8,700 (8,730) breast cancer patients weren’t treated on time after being urgently referred with suspected cancer over the last year is a sobering reflection of the continued poor waiting times performance despite the tireless work of NHS staff.[1] It serves as a stark reminder this Breast Cancer Awareness Month that far too many people are being denied the chance of a swift diagnosis and timely treatment that gives them the best chance of survival.
“The 62-day target from urgent suspected cancer referral to starting treatment has been missed for almost five consecutive years.[2] And those patients starting treatment on time are facing longer waits than patients faced five years ago.[3]
“When it comes to the 28 day Faster Diagnosis Standard for timely diagnosis, far fewer people are told they have breast cancer within 28 days compared to people who have the disease ruled out - around 20 percentage-points less.[4]
“We will not stop pushing for improvements. We estimate that had the target of 90% been met for people having breast cancer confirmed, then over the last year (Sept 24 – Aug 25) over 9,000 (9,228) more people in England would have had breast cancer diagnosed on time.[5] And if the 85% target had been met, an additional almost 5,000 (4,949) breast cancer patients would have started treatment on time (within 62 days from urgent suspected breast cancer referral).[6]
“Both the government’s upcoming cancer plan and workforce plan for England present vital opportunities to drive radical improvements in breast cancer diagnosis, ensuring urgent investment in equipment and the staff needed to operate it. Only when this happens will we see services being able to meet the huge demand faced and waiting times improving. We stand ready to work with the UK government and NHS to make this happen.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
[1-6] Breast Cancer Now analysis of NHS England Cancer Waiting Times https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/cancer-waiting-times/