The data show that for more than 65,000 patients a month, suffering is left to wait for cancer decision –

Analysis shows that more than 65,000 people in the UK wait too long each month to find out if they have cancer.

An NHS target states that 75% of patients should be diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days of urgent referral to their GP.

But Cancer Research UK’s analysis shows that this hasn’t been achieved since its launch last fall.

The figure has changed, but remained at 74 percent in February.

The charity warns that even if the target is met, 55,000 people a month will still wait to find out if they have the disease.

He adds that patients are frustrated by the system and that the target is set too low due to a chronic shortage of specialists throughout the healthcare system.

Experts say the government needs to be even more ambitious in its next 10-year cancer plan if it wants to raise the target to 95% and improve diagnosis and survival.

If met, around 54,300 additional patients will be diagnosed per month or excluded from cancer within 28 days, according to Cancer Research UK (CRUK).

Chief Executive Officer Michelle Mitchell said: “As a country, we should not be willing to accept that one in four emergency referrals must wait more than a month to find out if they have cancer. The government should seize this opportunity to do something for the millions of people affected by cancer.

“We will get there with ambitious goals, a credible plan and a clear commitment.”

Early detection allows cancer treatment to be started earlier and more successful, but the UK lags behind comparable countries.

An NHS target states that 75% of patients should be diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days of urgent referral to their GP (stock image)

CRUK chief physician Professor Charles Swanton said: “The government has said it will fundamentally improve care in the UK with its 10-year cancer plan. Crucial to this plan is to ensure that more people receive an important diagnosis in a timely manner.

“With a solid plan and continued investment in building a future-proof cancer workforce, we can diagnose people faster, earlier and save more lives.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “We are committed to reducing waiting times for cancer patients and are therefore implementing up to 160 diagnostic centers across the country, of which 81 are open and beyond. 800,000 more scans are available.” Delivered.

“Our record investment includes an additional £2 billion last year and an additional £8 billion over the next three years to reduce waiting times, including nine million additional checkups, scans and surgeries by 2025.”

A spokesperson for NHS England said: “Last year she received a record number of life-saving cancer checkups. The NHS is investing billions of dollars in additional diagnostic and treatment capabilities, while staff are working hard to launch initiatives.

“It’s vital that people continue to report any signs or symptoms of concern because monitoring can save your life.”