The NHS recently announced plans to eliminate most cancer waiting time targets in England, which is being hailed as a major breakthrough in cancer care. Instead of ten separate targets, there will now be three overall goals. Firstly, the aim is to ensure that 75% of patients receive a diagnosis or the all-clear within a month of their initial visit to a doctor with possible cancer symptoms. Secondly, at least 96% of patients should begin their first cancer treatment within 31 days of diagnosis. Finally, in 85% of cases, cancer treatment should start no later than two months after a referral from a GP.
Although these deadlines may sound lengthy, health authorities insist that this move will simplify how the NHS tracks its performance in addressing cancer and will ultimately result in earlier detection and treatment for patients. The changes have been in development for several years and have received support from the Government. Health Minister Will Quince stated that dropping the old targets was the right decision, and Cancer Research UK also praised the plan as a welcome innovation.
Despite this positive reception, some experts argue that the new targets will do little to address what they perceive as a growing cancer crisis within the NHS. Professor Pat Price, head of charity Radiotherapy UK, accused the health service of making minor changes while cancer care is in a dire state. However, many doctors believe the previous waiting time targets were outdated and in need of reform. According to Prof Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, managing ten different targets for cancer care was becoming increasingly challenging, and simplifying these measures would benefit patients.
The NHS has been struggling to meet its cancer targets, with only 85% of patients beginning treatment within two months of a GP referral since 2014. Additionally, the number of cancer cases in the UK is projected to increase from three million to four million by 2030, which will put further strain on resources. In an effort to clarify how these changes will affect patients nationwide, we interviewed experts who can provide accurate information. Continue reading to discover what you need to know.
Question: Isn’t it unsafe to get rid of the two-week cancer waiting target? Won’t some cancers be diagnosed too late?
Answer: According to experts, it is perfectly safe to eliminate the two-week target for patients to see a cancer specialist. In fact, it may even hasten certain diagnoses. The current NHS guidelines require 93% of patients to wait no more than two weeks to see a specialist after their GP refers them. The intention is to ensure swift cancer diagnoses. However, experts argue that this target is outdated and lacks scientific evidence.
Naser Turabi, Director of Evidence and Implementation at Cancer Research UK, explains that the two-week wait target was one of the first cancer targets introduced in the 1990s. At the time, the NHS was grappling with long waiting times, so cancer targets were created as a way to monitor improvements. The two-week wait was chosen because it seemed achievable, not because it was based on medical research.
Experts suggest that the time it takes for patients to receive a diagnosis is a more critical factor. Professor Pat Price emphasizes that seeing a specialist within two weeks does not guarantee a cancer diagnosis within that timeframe. He states that the most significant outcome for patients is receiving a diagnosis, not merely getting an appointment.
Under the new guidelines, the NHS will aim to ensure that 75% of patients receive a diagnosis or all-clear within 28 days. Prof Price explains that in the past, the appointment-focused approach could slow down the diagnostic process. The new guidance prioritizes quick diagnosis and treatment rather than solely booking appointments. Several hospitals have already adopted this 28-day target in recent years as part of a pilot scheme, and it proved effective in informing patients of their cancer status.
Question: Are there any other changes I should be aware of?
Answer: Currently, there are ten cancer performance targets, including an eight-week wait for treatment after potential cancer is identified through national screening services such as cervical cancer smear tests. Three separate targets also ensure that the majority of patients receive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery within a month of diagnosis.
Under the new guidelines, these targets will be simplified. At least 96% of patients should start their first cancer treatment within 31 days of diagnosis, regardless of the type of treatment. As explained earlier, this should occur within 28 days of presenting symptoms. Furthermore, in 85% of cases, treatment should commence no later than two months after a GP referral.
Experts argue that these new targets will make it easier for patients to determine whether the cancer care they are receiving meets the required standards. Mr. Turabi of Cancer Research UK notes that numerous cancer targets have become redundant over time. What matters most to patients is receiving a prompt diagnosis and timely treatment, and the new targets reflect that.
Question: Waiting two months for treatment seems like a long time. Should I be concerned?
Answer: No, experts explain that waiting two months for treatment is already the standard expectation for most cancer patients. Under the previous targets, the NHS aimed to ensure that at least 85% of cancer patients start treatment within eight weeks of a GP referral.
Experts clarify that this seemingly generous timeline acknowledges the complexity of making a cancer diagnosis. Prof Price outlines that the referral process to a cancer specialist is time-consuming. Specialists may need to conduct scans and confirm the type of cancer through tissue samples. Only after these steps can a conclusive diagnosis be made.
Furthermore, choosing the most appropriate treatment requires careful consideration, adding to the waiting time. Mr. Turabi emphasizes that complex cases often require input from different specialists, and determining the best course of action is not always straightforward. Once a treatment plan is established, patients need time to weigh their options, such as deciding on chemotherapy or surgery. Cancer treatment is rarely instantaneous, so a two-month wait is considered safe.
Question: Will these changes resolve the backlog of cancer patients awaiting NHS treatment?
Answer: Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the new waiting time targets will eliminate the backlog of patients awaiting cancer treatment. Current figures suggest that none of the new targets are being met. The latest NHS data reveals that only 59% of cancer patients in England who received their first treatment in June, following an urgent GP referral, waited fewer than two months.
From October to June, 623,000 patients did not receive a cancer diagnosis…
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