NHS projected to miss key cancer diagnosis and treatment targets by over three years

According to Cancer Research UK, England’s NHS is set to miss the National Cancer Plan’s 2029 milestones by more than three years. The plan pledged that 80% of urgent referrals would be diagnosed within 28 days and that 85% of patients would begin treatment within 62 days, but current trends suggest the latter won’t be achieved until April 2032. The charity calculated that roughly 51,000 extra patients would need timely treatment each year to meet the goal, and modelling shows only 77.8% would start treatment within 62 days by 2029.

Interim waiting-time targets for 2027 and 2028 are also likely to be missed. Michelle Mitchell urged the government to boost staffing and equipment, while the Department of Health and Social Care highlighted ongoing improvements and new surgical hubs. The National Cancer Board will monitor progress and advise ministers on further steps.