Over 50,000 people with cancer waited too long to start cancer treatment in the first 6 months of this year

Responding to NHS England’s latest Cancer Waiting Times data Mairaid McMahon, Policy Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

“New figures from NHS England show that more than 50,000 people with cancer waited too long to start their treatment in the first half of this year. This is unacceptable.

“Too many people are waiting too long for the diagnosis and treatment that they need, and it is a shocking reflection of the pressures on the system that 2 in 3 cancer patients in the UK are now worried for their survival.

“We welcome the UK Government commissioning an urgent review of the NHS in England. This review must tackle issues right across the system and lay the groundwork for a long-term plan for health to ensure everyone affected by cancer — no matter who they are or where they live — will be able to access treatment and support that meets their needs.

“Macmillan is here to support everyone affected by cancer. Our Support Line is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm or you can find information about cancer and how to get support on our website.”