Across the UK, cancer patients are being failed — and it’s happening on a shocking scale.
A new investigation has exposed just how deep the crisis runs, showing that nearly every major NHS provider is missing key targets that could mean the difference between life and death.
Out of 135 listed NHS trusts, only two have managed to meet all three cancer care targets so far this year.
The rest? Falling short — sometimes dramatically so.
Failing to Meet the Basics
Hospitals are expected to diagnose and treat cancer quickly under NHS guidelines.
But according to newly analysed NHS data, that’s far from reality.
Between January and August 2025, Mid and South Essex Trust didn’t hit any of the three main targets.
The statistics paint a grim picture:
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Only 74.6% of patients were diagnosed or had cancer ruled out within 28 days of an urgent referral.
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Just 91.6% began treatment within 31 days after doctors decided on a plan.
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A worrying 69.1% started treatment within 62 days of being referred.
For context, none of these goals have been consistently met since April 2021.
“A Total Disgrace,” Experts Warn
Renowned oncologist Professor Karol Sikora, a former World Health Organization cancer chief, didn’t mince words when he spoke to the Daily Mail. “It’s a total disgrace,” he said bluntly.
“We keep hearing about new therapies and expensive drugs, but people are dying because of delays. In the U.S., they’d sue.”
He pointed out that waiting two months just to start treatment is “ridiculously long.”
In Poland, he noted, the wait is around seven days. “We need to fast-track potential cancer patients — the solution couldn’t be more obvious.”
The Few That Got It Right
Only Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust and The Walton Centre in Liverpool have hit all three cancer targets every month in 2025.
The analysis also included private centres that handle NHS cases but excluded those without at least six months of complete data.
How the System Fell Behind
The combination of staff shortages, Covid’s lasting disruption, and waves of strikes has left the system stretched thin.
During the pandemic, cancer referrals were delayed, and the backlog ballooned.
While 30 providers managed to meet the 31-day target each month, a third didn’t manage it even once.
Liverpool Women’s Foundation Trust posted the year’s worst score — just 55.2% in January.
Meanwhile, on the 28-day target, six providers missed the mark every single month, including Mid and South Essex, Northern Lincolnshire and Goole, and Royal United Bath.
The lowest single-month performance came from Bradford Teaching Hospitals Trust, with just 40.9% in August.
When it came to the crucial 62-day target, 108 trusts failed every month.
The Royal Papworth Hospital Trust had the lowest score nationwide — only 17.5% in January.
NHS Defends Performance Amid Rising Demand
Health leaders argue that the NHS is treating more people than ever.
Referrals have doubled over the past decade, partly because of awareness campaigns urging people to get checked early.
Officials also highlight medical breakthroughs and new diagnostic programmes — including pop-up centres in shopping malls, car parks, and even football stadiums — that are helping catch cancers sooner.
Still, survival rates in the UK remain among the lowest in the developed world.
A 2024 study by the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce revealed that for six types — including lung, liver, and brain — the five-year survival rate is just 16%.
If British patients had access to care comparable to Korea, Belgium, Australia, or China, the taskforce estimated around 8,000 more lives could be saved each year.
“Every Delay Is Devastating”
Cameron Miller, deputy chair of the taskforce, didn’t sugarcoat the issue.
“For more than 90,000 people diagnosed annually with less survivable cancers, lost time can be devastating,” he said.
“These diseases move fast — early diagnosis and rapid treatment are critical.
With survival rates already below 20%, this is urgent.”
A National Emergency in Slow Motion
Despite the crisis, there’s some progress. Cancer death rates overall have dropped by nearly a quarter in the past 50 years — from about 328 deaths per 100,000 people in 1973 to 252 per 100,000 in 2023.
Even so, the government knows the situation demands bold action.
A new system called Cancer 360 — a multi-billion-pound data and patient management initiative — is being rolled out to tackle waiting times.
Calls for Immediate Change
Helen Morgan, health spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, described the situation as “terrifying” for patients.
“Long waits for cancer care can literally be the difference between life and death,” she said.
“After years of neglect, the NHS is struggling to deliver the treatment people deserve. The government must make this their top priority.”
A Department of Health spokesperson said they were already turning things around, citing an extra 135,000 people diagnosed or cleared within 28 days this year compared to last.
“We’re investing £2.3 billion in diagnostic services, expanding surgical hubs, and adding evening and weekend appointments,” the department said.
“The upcoming National Cancer Plan will boost survival rates and ensure faster, fairer access to care.”
What the NHS Says
An NHS England representative added that staff are working tirelessly.
“We’re seeing and treating more cancer patients than ever. But we know there’s more to do,” they said.
“We’re partnering with the government on a new National Cancer Plan to improve early diagnosis, survival, and patient experience.”
The Trusts Respond
Hospitals named in the report didn’t deny the issues — instead, they apologised and pledged change.
A Humber Health Partnership spokesperson admitted, “We know patients have waited too long.
We’re revamping our approach, adding diagnostic sessions, and using new technologies to speed up treatment.”
At The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust, interim managing director Chris Bown said they were “taking immediate action,” including hiring external providers to cut waiting times.
And Matthew Hopkins, CEO of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, promised “rapid, sustainable improvement.” “Our patients deserve better,” he said.
“We’re increasing diagnostic tests and surgeries and working closely with NHS England to get people seen faster.”
What Happens Next
Everyone agrees the current system isn’t working. Cancer doesn’t wait — and neither can patients.
Whether the government’s new plans and funding will be enough to fix the crisis remains to be seen.
But for now, thousands of families across England are still waiting for a call that could change everything.