Almost three million people in England have been tested for cancer over the past year, marking a notable increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to recent analysis by NHS England. The government emphasizes the importance of early detection in improving survival rates. However, cancer charities argue that while progress is being made in cancer testing, other targets are being missed, and patients often face significant delays in receiving treatment.
The analysis reveals that a record-breaking 2,980,258 individuals in England underwent urgent cancer checks between November 2022 and October 2023. This figure represents a 5% increase compared to the previous year and a 26% rise compared to the same period before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2018-2019.
Several factors have been linked to the surge in urgent referrals from general practitioners (GPs). The NHS has deployed mobile trucks to shopping centers and supermarket car parks to conduct lung health checks in communities. In addition, cancer awareness campaigns have been launched, featuring messages in public toilets and on underwear packaging.
The analysis demonstrates that over 90% of individuals sent for urgent referral by their GPs received an all-clear diagnosis, with only approximately 6% ultimately diagnosed with cancer. Dame Cally Palmer, national cancer director for NHS England, acknowledges that more work needs to be done, but highlights the progress made in diagnosing individuals at stage one and two.
Despite the record number of people being tested, the analysis reveals that in October 2023, over 78,500 individuals, constituting 29% of total patients, experienced a wait longer than the recommended four-week period to receive their cancer diagnosis. It is not only England that is grappling with this issue; NHS services across all four nations of the UK have consistently failed to meet cancer treatment targets.
In October 2023, England witnessed a decline in the proportion of patients with a confirmed cancer diagnosis starting treatment within two months, falling to 63.1%. This figure falls short of the 85% target and is lower than the 64% recorded in October 2022.
Minesh Patel, head of policy at Macmillan Cancer Support, highlights the strain on cancer services due to inadequate support from UK governments, demanding greater funding and support for the cancer workforce. Health minister Andrew Stephenson acknowledges the need for further progress, stating that although survival rates for all types of cancer have improved, greater efforts are required.
The UK government has already taken steps to address this issue. The cancer workforce is being expanded, and over five million additional tests have been conducted in community diagnostic centers since June 2021. Moreover, legislation is being introduced to prohibit the sale of tobacco to individuals who turned 14 in 2023 or younger.
In conclusion, while England has seen a substantial rise in the number of individuals being tested for cancer, other challenges persist. Delays in treatment and the failure to meet targets demonstrate the strain on cancer services. Cancer charities call for stronger support from the government, while the health minister emphasizes the importance of further progress. The battle against cancer continues, with early detection remaining a critical factor in improving survival rates and providing timely treatment for patients across the country.
