NHS Considers Scrapping Two-Week Cancer Referral Target
The NHS is eyeing a shake-up of cancer care. It’s considering ditching the current two-week target for patients to see cancer specialists after urgent GP referrals. Instead, a new “faster diagnosis standard” could see patients diagnosed or cleared within 28 days.
Faster Diagnosis Standard to Replace Outdated Rules
An NHS England spokesperson confirmed the plan is on the table, with backing from cancer experts and charities. The aim? To speed up diagnosis and treatment, slash unnecessary outpatient visits, and embrace cutting-edge tech — including artificial intelligence.
This new system is already rolling out in parts of the UK and could help hundreds get quicker answers. It also shifts focus from just seeing a specialist quickly to actually knowing the diagnosis or ruling out cancer faster.
Experts Cautious as Workforce Woes Loom
Some experts say streamlining targets makes sense but warn the real problem lies with understaffing and bottlenecks in cancer care. Workforce shortages remain a key hurdle.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay: “Any changes will happen only with cancer experts’ green light and close consultation with charities. Survivability rates and clinical input are vital in this process.”
Mixed Reactions from Cancer Charities and Specialists
Cancer Research UK is optimistic, backing the new targets as a way to improve diagnosis times. But oncologist Pat Price, head of Radiotherapy UK charity, raises alarms about underfunding and capacity issues that hold back cancer care.
The proposals would aim for 75% of urgent referrals to get a cancer diagnosis or all-clear within a month, with first treatment starting within one month of diagnosis and within nine weeks of referral.
Current Targets Struggle to Hit the Mark
At present, NHS targets include getting patients to see a consultant within two weeks of a GP referral and starting treatment within two months. Yet June NHS England data shows only 80.5% of patients hit the two-week specialist appointment target, short of the 93% goal. Wales faces similar issues.
Officials say decisions on scrapping the two-week target will come soon, aiming for quicker, more effective cancer care amid ongoing system challenges.
