NHS to revamp cancer wait time goal

author: FutureCar Staff    

The NHS is considering scrapping the targets that ensure patients see a specialist within two weeks of being urgently referred by their GP for suspected cancer. Instead, new cancer targets are set to be announced this week, which include the requirement for hospitals to have 75% of patients diagnosed with cancer or told they don't have it within 28 days. This comes after data revealed that cancer wait times in England remain below government and NHS targets.

The current two-week waiting time target only covers the time taken for a patient's first appointment, but not the time taken for diagnostic tests and reporting results. Cancer charities and doctors have expressed support for replacing the two-week target with the 28-day "faster diagnosis standard," believing it will be helpful for patients suffering from cancer. The hope is that these new targets will help speed up the process of diagnosing cancer.

However, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has accused the government of "moving the goalposts" and failing to meet targets. He believes that a more effective approach to swifter diagnosis involves a health service that is fit for the future, with a plan that involves people, technology, and reform.

A consultation on the cancer target plans started last year, highlighting that the current two-week wait does not set an expectation for when patients should receive test results or have a confirmed diagnosis. Under the proposed Faster Diagnosis Standard, patients who have been urgently referred, have symptoms of breast cancer, or have been picked up through screening should have cancer ruled out or receive a diagnosis within 28 days.

The NHS has not met the 28-day faster diagnosis target since it was introduced as a trial in April 2021. The latest data shows that in June, 73% of patients were either diagnosed or had cancer ruled out within the timeframe. Dr. Tom Roques, Vice President of the Royal College of Radiologists, believes that the faster diagnosis standard is a better measure than the two-week wait, as it provides a more meaningful measure to patients and the NHS.

Oncologist Professor Pat Price, co-founder of the #CatchUpWithCancer campaign, emphasizes that poor performance in meeting targets is not due to how they are measured but rather a lack of investment in cancer treatment capacity and the overall cancer pathway. Recent figures published by NHS England show that cancer wait times remain well below targets set by the government and health service.

Naser Turabi, Cancer Research UK's director of evidence and implementation, states that the current missed targets represent years of underinvestment by the government. He calls for political leadership on cancer to turn these unacceptable waits around, emphasizing the need for long-term funding and a clear strategy from the UK government.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay has not confirmed claims that two-thirds of cancer targets will be scrapped. He states that any changes will be made in consultation with leading cancer charities and are in response to requests from those working in the cancer field.

FutureCar Staff