England falls short on early cancer diagnosis goals

The ambition to diagnose cancer in its earliest stages in England is “seriously off target”, according to a new report by QualityWatch, a research programme by the Nuffield Trust and The Health Foundation

A rise in urgent referrals in recent years has contributed to delays, along with patients finding it difficult to raise concerns about cancer with GPs. Inequalities in diagnosis, particularly among young people, those in deprived areas, and patients from ethnic minorities, was also highlighted by researchers.

Experts said that while family doctors are “highly trained” to identify cancers, the issue remains a challenge in primary care because some symptoms can be vague.

The NHS Long Term Plan said the health service is aiming to diagnose 75% of cancer patients when the disease is in its early stages by 2028.

However, analysis of NHS data by QualityWatch said “our current course shows we are seriously off target”.

More than 320,000 people in England were diagnosed with cancer in 2021 – the equivalent of some 900 a day – the report said, with the number of urgent cancer referrals rising since 2009 to more than two million in 2020/21.

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Source: Medscape, 24 April 2024