NHS England set to replace two-week cancer appointment target

News - 14 August 2023

After a year of consultation, NHS bosses are set to announce a change in how fast a patient will be able to see a specialist if their GP suspects they have cancer.

If approved, the change will scrap the two week wait time to receive a referral and instead patients should have cancer ruled out or receive a diagnosis within in 28 days.

Currently, there is a two week wait time for urgent referrals however the current two-week target sets no expectation of when patients are able to receive test results or have a confirmed diagnosis.

This currently process has been criticised by medical professionals throughout the sphere for their lacking qualities. Oncologist and Visiting Professor at Imperial Collage London Patricia Price described the current process as ‘Shockingly Bad’. She elaborated saying "the clear and simple truth is that we are not investing enough in cancer treatment capacity".

The three notable changes coming as a result of this proposal are:

  • Diagnosis of cancer within 28 days of referral
  • Starting treatment within two months of an urgent referral
  • Starting treatment one month after a decision to treat.

The NHS said the plan would help diagnose more cancers earlier and save more lives however, this change will have to be approved by the Health Secretary Steve Barclay.

Source: The Guardian - NHS in England to replace two-week cancer appointment target

Source: BBC News - Many cancer waiting time targets set to be dropped in England

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