Most NHS trusts fail to meet cancer treatment target with long patient waits

In Brief

Only three NHS trusts met the 85% cancer treatment target amid widespread delays, according to NHS England data.

Key Facts

• According to NHS England data, only three of 119 acute NHS trusts with comparable data met or exceeded the 85% cancer treatment target last year
• NHS England reports that the NHS has not met its national cancer treatment target since 2014
• Data from NHS England shows some NHS trusts treated about half of cancer patients within the target timeframe
• NHS England figures indicate cancer patients are waiting over 104 days for treatment in some areas
• The data covers NHS England trusts and highlights regional variation in cancer treatment times

What Happened

Analysis of NHS England data shows that nearly all NHS trusts failed to meet the 85% target for starting cancer treatment within the recommended timeframe last year. Only three trusts achieved or surpassed this target, while others experienced delays, with some patients waiting over 104 days for treatment. NHS England states the national cancer treatment target has not been met since 2014.

Why It Matters

Meeting cancer treatment targets is important for monitoring healthcare performance. The data from NHS England indicates ongoing challenges in timely cancer treatment across trusts. Regional differences in treatment times suggest variation in service delivery within NHS England.