According to a damning study by Macmillan Cancer Support, over the past decade, more than 100,000 cancer patients may have experienced harm as a result of delays in treatment and diagnosis. The analysis of NHS figures reveals that since 2014, 180,000 individuals have been forced to endure longer waiting times for care than they should have.
The consequences of these delays have been severe, with many patients witnessing the progression of their cancer while waiting. This has led to fewer treatment options for some and an incurable disease for others. Macmillan Cancer Support places the blame on repeated government failures, asserting that tens of thousands of lives have been put at risk in the UK. The charity described the figures as “shameful.”
Macmillan also highlighted the strain on medical professionals, with doctors and nurses being stretched to their limits due to staff and scanner shortages. Some healthcare workers have even described the impact on patients as “inhumane.”
Macmillan Cancer Support said its analysis of NHS figures shows 180,000 have been forced to wait longer than they should for care since 2014
Performance against the government-set cancer waiting times targets reached its lowest point on record in 2022 across all four UK nations, according to the study. Additionally, a YouGov poll of nearly 2,500 adults in the UK diagnosed with cancer in the last decade found that 556 individuals experienced delays in treatment and diagnosis. Of those affected, 23% reported that the delays resulted in their cancer worsening, becoming incurable, or having fewer treatment options. This equates to at least 100,000 people in the UK, according to Macmillan.
Gemma Peters, the chief executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, expressed deep concern over the crisis in cancer care caused by years of government inaction. She emphasized the devastating impact of waiting on individuals, from the burden of anxiety about their cancer’s growth to the heart-wrenching news that their cancer is now incurable. Peters stressed the urgent need for immediate action from governments to address the current issues and implement long-term solutions for cancer patients.
The charity received feedback from NHS cancer care workers who expressed dismay at the lack of staffing and resources, which hindered their ability to provide timely and quality care. Naman Julka-Anderson, an advanced practice therapeutic radiographer and clinical advisor for Macmillan Cancer Support, cited examples of patients waiting for hours for treatments that were ultimately not delivered due to staff shortages. He labeled this situation as “inhumane” and highlighted the need for government intervention.
Jules Fielder, a lung cancer patient, shared her frustration at having to constantly request appointments, stating that she should not have to “ring up and beg” for them. She described the pressures on the NHS and the toll it takes on her and her loved ones.
Each UK nation’s government responded to the study. The Scottish Government stated that cancer remains a national priority, and they recently published a 10-year strategy focused on improving cancer survival and providing equitable access to treatment. The Department of Health in Northern Ireland referred to the Cancer Strategy 2022-2032, which aims to ensure equitable and timely access to evidence-based referral, diagnosis, treatment, support, and person-centered cancer care. The Welsh Government emphasized their heavy investment in cancer services to train more staff, build new facilities, improve early detection, and provide rapid access to high-quality cancer care.
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