NHS Delays In Cancer Therapy

According to figures released by the NHS, there has been a sharp increase in waiting times for cancer therapy over the course of the last four years across England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

The number of patients who are waiting more than the 62-day target time for cancer therapy in the past year has now reached 69,000. This is double the amount as the same period in 2017-18.

The figures have also shown that waiting times for therapy in Wales are also getting worse but cannot be compared with historical data as this is not available.

Cancer therapy waits in the East Midlands

The NHS data has been broken down by Trust or health board what proportion of patients treated for cancer had to wait longer than 62 days.

For the East Midlands, this is as follows:

Source: NHS England, NHS Wales, NHS Scotland, HSC NI

Note: England data is the year to Sep 22, Wales to Aug 22, Scotland and NI data to Jun 22. Organisations treating fewer than 300 patients per year are excluded.

Impact of the pandemic

The sharp increase in numbers is largely attributed to the pandemic.

According to the BBC, the number of cancer diagnoses since the outbreak of Covid-19 is more than 30,000 lower than would have been anticipated. This is due to the disruption to services at the start of the pandemic, people not seeking medical attention when displaying cancer symptoms due to Covid-19 concerns or not wanting to burden the NHS.

Record levels of cancer checks and staffing shortages

Recently published data has revealed that the number of people being referred for cancer checks is increasing and is now at record levels. However, as alluded to above, serious issues are still being seen in those patients being treated as a matter of urgency.

It is hoped that the new network of 90 community diagnostic centres which have opened in England will speed up cancer diagnosis. Although some experts have commented that the key issue that needs consideration is the wait after that treatment with staffing shortages being regarded as the main problem.

The Royal College of Radiologists has commented that there is a 17% shortfall in cancer doctors within the UK, who oversee treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Tom Roques, of the Royal College, said:

Dame Cally Palmer, National Cancer Director for the NHS in England, has said the “hard work” of staff was supporting the system to catch up in terms of getting people in for checks. Adding that she is determined to ensure improvements are made with regard to cancer diagnoses and treatments.

Comment

As the data has revealed there are clearly ongoing significant issues with delays and backlogs in cancer treatments that must be addressed.

Patient safety is at risk, and with implications as severe as what can happen if cancer is left untreated, it is imperative that this cannot continue like this.