One in four people on urgent cancer referrals wait over a month for diagnosis

More than 65,000 people on cancer-related referrals in England wait over four weeks for a diagnosis every month, according to new calculations by Cancer Research UK.

The data is based on estimates from the Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS), a performance standard which is used to better capture how long people on cancer-related referrals wait for a diagnosis.

Patients should receive a diagnosis within 28 days of a cancer referral

In 2021, the government set the FDS target at 75%, meaning three quarters of people who are urgently referred should be diagnosed or given the all clear within 28 days.

However, an analysis of data between October 2021 and February 2022 revealed that, on average, 65,400 people were left waiting for longer than a month for their diagnosis.

Cancer Research UK say the data also showed huge variation across the country, with only 78 of 143 NHS Trusts meeting the government’s target.

More ambitious target is needed, say charity

Cancer that is diagnosed at an early stage is more likely to be treated successfully. For this reason, the charity is now calling on the government to include a more ambitious target within its upcoming 10-year cancer plan.

They hope this will ensure more people with possible cancer receive a timely diagnosis or have their cancer ruled out within 28 days of a referral.

Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “As a country we should not be willing to accept that over one in four people on an urgent referral are left waiting over a month to find out whether they have cancer. Nor should we stand for the variation that exists across the country.

“The Government must take this opportunity to deliver for the millions of people affected by cancer. With ambitious targets, a credible plan to reach them and clear accountability, we can get there.”