With cancer waiting times in England at risk of stagnating, leading cancer charity stresses support line is open for business this summer

August can be a busy time for people, with many juggling work commitments and school holidays with going on holiday or simply staying behind at work (and holding the fort). Unfortunately, for tens of thousands of people living with cancer in England this summer there will be no holiday from their often-agonising wait for diagnosis and treatment.

New cancer waiting times figures for England, released today, reveal a mixed picture and potential signs of stagnation. There has been no overall improvement for two of the three national waiting time targets over the past 12 months and many thousands have waited longer than they should for treatment[i].

Jane Laing, Clinical Service Knowledge Specialist at Macmillan Cancer Support says:

“We receive calls every day to our support line from people waiting far longer than they should to start treatment and trying to understand why. For many people it can feel like there is no end in sight and they can really struggle with the time it takes to receive treatment. Our trained nurses are real people to talk to who will listen and offer reassurance, practical advice or just acknowledge these concerns.

“Many of our callers are also experiencing differences in their care depending on who they are or where they live, which seems completely unacceptable, but we are there to offer practical and empathetic advice for everyone.

“We want to remind people that we are very much open for business this summer and every day of the year. The Macmillan Support Line is open 7 days a week from 8 in the morning until 8 at night. And, for those with the energy to type not chat or who don’t want others to overhear their conversation, our webchat provides the same service through online messaging with real experts responding. No question is too big or too small. We are here to listen and support you.”

So, if it feels like everyone is out of office this summer, Macmillan Cancer Support is still here to provide information, reassurance and support for everyone, whoever you are and wherever you live.

For cancer information, support or just someone to talk to, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk.