Nearly every hospital trust in England is failing to meet key cancer care time targets.
Experts warn these delays are putting lives at risk, as early diagnosis and rapid treatment are critical to survival. Research shows that every four-week delay in treatment reduces a patient’s chance of survival by around 10%.
Hospitals report that demand for investigations and treatments is outstripping capacity. A lack of resources, outdated technology, staffing shortages and communication issues are contributing to delays.
Across the UK, very few NHS trusts are meeting the targets. Those that do say that better communication systems, modern equipment and more coordinated working are essential for improvement.
The government has announced a new cancer strategy, expected in 2026, but experts are sceptical about whether meaningful progress can be made given current budget pressures.
Spotlight on Leicester (UHL) Cancer Care
In Leicester, where MDS’ head office is based, only one of the three key cancer targets is currently being met.
✓ 28-Day Diagnosis Target — MET
Patients referred urgently should be diagnosed—or have cancer ruled out—within 28 days.
- The target set by the government is: 75%
- National average: 76.7%
- UHL performance: Meets target — around 76.7% of patients receive a diagnosis within 28 days.
✗ 31-Day Treatment Target — NOT MET
Patients with a confirmed diagnosis should start treatment within 31 days of diagnosis.
- The target set by the government is: 96%
- National average: 91.3%
- UHL performance: 76.9%
✗ 62-Day Total Pathway Target — NOT MET
From urgent referral to first treatment, the entire process should take no more than 62 days.
- Target: 85%
- National average: 68.9%
- UHL performance: 57.3%
What This Means for Patients in Leicester
Although UHL performs reasonably well on speed of diagnosis, meeting the 28-day target, the trust is much slower than the national average at starting treatment once cancer has been diagnosed.
These delays can significantly affect outcomes and long-term prognosis.
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