Macmillan Cancer Support responds to quarterly DH cancer waiting times statistics

Responding to cancer waiting times statistics for quarter 3 2012-13 released today by the Department of Health¹, Mike Hobday, Director of Policy and Research of Macmillan Cancer Support says:

'It is extremely disappointing that despite meeting the overall waiting times targets hospitals are consistently missing this standard for treatment in cancer categories that include lung, bowel and prostate cancers.² 

'Getting into treatment as early as possible gives cancer patients the best possible chance of survival. Missing the targets for these types of cancer mean these patients’ chances are potentially being put at risk.

'The statistics are particularly worrying for lung cancer patients as the disease has such low survival rates. We are calling for hospital cancer specialists to work closely with Macmillan to help make changes to improve in this area.'

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:

Andrea Shufflebotham, Senior Media & PR Officer, Macmillan Cancer Support

0207 840 4689 (out of hours 07801 307068)

ashufflebotham@macmillan.org.uk|

Notes to Editors:

1. Department of Health (2013) Statistics on Waiting Times for Suspected and Diagnosed Cancer Patients Q3 2012-13 Key Points – Provider Based.

2. Two Month (62-day) urgent GP referral first treatment wait. The operational standard for this requirement specifies that 85% of patients should wait a maximum of 62 days to begin their first definitive treatment following an urgent referral for suspected cancer from their GP.

About Macmillan Cancer Support

More than one in three of us will get cancer. For most of us it will be the toughest fight we ever face. And the feelings of isolation and loneliness that so many people experience make it even harder.

But you don’t have to go through it alone. The Macmillan team is with you every step of the way.

We are the nurses and therapists helping you through treatment. The experts on the end of the phone. The advisers telling you which benefits you’re entitled to. The volunteers giving you a hand with the everyday things. The campaigners improving cancer care. The community there for you online, any time. The supporters who make it all possible.

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