NHS England is to scrap two thirds of its cancer wait time targets, according to reports.
The move coincides with data indicating that the service is missing four of the most important targets for diagnosing cancer.
The BBC reports NHS bosses want to cut the number of cancer treatment targets from nine to three.
The BBC added the changes have been under consultation since last year, and an outcome is “expected within days”.
But NHS leaders are understood to be keen to press on with the plan as first announced – though it is still subject to final approval by health secretary Steve Barclay.
The three targets set to be retained include:
- diagnosis of cancer within 28 days of referral,
- starting treatment within two months of an urgent referral,
- starting treatment one month after a decision to treat.
But six other targets, such as a two-week wait for a first consultant appointment, will be dropped.
Late last week data from Cancer Research UK showed NHS services in England are missing four of the most important targets for diagnosing cancer.
This is according to Cancer Research UK analysis of the latest results in England for June 2023 which shows:
Urgent suspected cancer referrals standard: Target Missed
More than eight in 10 (80.5%) of people were seen by a specialist within two weeks of an urgent suspected cancer referral in June 2023. The target is 93% and was last met in May 2020.
The Faster Diagnosis Standard: Target Missed
Almost three quarters (73.5%) of people were diagnosed, or had cancer ruled out, within 28 days of an urgent referral in June 2023. The target is 75% and was introduced in 2021, but has only been met once since then, in February 2023.
The 62-day standard: Target Missed
Only 59.2% of people in England received their diagnosis and started their first treatment within two months (or 62 days) of an urgent referral in June 2023. This was well below the target of 85% and this target has not been met since 2015, with a record low in January 2023.
The 31-day standard: Target Missed
More than nine in 10 (91.3%) of people started treatment within 31 days of doctors deciding a treatment plan in June 2023. The target is 96% and this performance was the sixth worst on record.
The knock-on effect of this means that more than 6,500 people who started cancer treatment in June 2023 had waited longer than two months since their urgent referral. If the 62-day target had been met, Cancer Research UK concludes that about 4,200 additional patients would have begun treatment on time.
Worst on record
Naser Turabi, director of evidence and implementation at Cancer Research UK, said: “Despite the best efforts of NHS staff, it’s incredibly worrying that cancer waiting times in England are once again amongst the worst on record.
“Although NHS strikes have added some pressure, today’s missed targets represent years of underinvestment by the UK government and the concerning delays for tests and treatment that cancer patients face as a result.
“But these unacceptable waits can be turned around with political leadership on cancer. To accelerate research, boost our cancer workforce, and diagnose more cancers earlier there must be long-term funding and a clear strategy from the UK government.
“Without bold action, more people will miss out on lifesaving services.”
Knock-on effect of delays
Dan Crook, protection sales director at Canada Life, said insurers are beginning to see the knock-on effect of these delays, as evidenced in its own data which shows an increasing incidence of critical illness cancer claims.
“While the increase in claims at this stage is limited, the NHS data would suggest that this trend could continue,” Crook continues.
“Alongside employers, insurers can play a part in supporting people who need immediate help.
“For example, at Canada Life we now have a fast-track claims process for group critical illness cancer cases and also offer a second medical opinion service as well as a personal nurse to ensure the treatment pathway is both appropriate and understood.
“Employers, too, can make a significant impact by offering much needed benefits such as group critical illness cover and/or group income protection. It’s also important for employees to understand the benefits and resources they have access to via their employer sponsored group protection benefits.
“Resources like these can offer essential support in times of difficulty or need.”