Is the NHS missing cancer targets ?
It was widely reported in a study carried out by Macmillan Cancer Support that the NHS have missed their cancer treatment targets for 3 years in a row . According to Macmillan , more cancer patients in England are facing delays for their treatment than three years ago , with 1 in 6 ( 17 %) now waiting beyond the official NHS target . has grown by an extra 400,000 people in five years ).
The Macmillan website states that the number of older people ( aged 65 and over ) living with cancer has grown by 300,000 ( or 23 %) in the five years to 2015 . The number of people who have survived five or more years since diagnosis has increased by over 260,000 ( or 21 %) in the five years to 2015 and the number of people living with cancer in the UK is increasing by 3.2 % every year . The number of cancer survivors in the UK is projected to increase by approximately one million per decade from 2010 to 2040 ; resulting in four million people living with cancer in 2030 .
According to Cancer Research UK , in 2014 there were 356,860 new cases of cancer , and of the 501,424 deaths registered in England and Wales , 163,444 deaths were from cancer ( 33 %). 50 % of patients diagnosed with cancer survive for more than 10 years ( 2010-11 ) and there were 42 % of preventable cases of cancer . According to Cancer Research UK the latest data available for most cancers in the UK are : incidence 2013 , mortality 2014 and survival 2010-11 .
This is somewhat disheartening news , as the BBC reported back in November 2014 that the NHS were missing their cancer treatment targets , and this fresh evidence shows once again the pressure that is on the NHS . In 2014 , the BBC reported that at least 85 % of cancer patients should start their treatment within 62 days of a GP referral for suspected cancer .
Between July and September 2014 , 83.5 % were treated within this time . This was the third quarter in a row that the target was being missed . At the time , cancer charities said thousands of patients were being failed , and Labour declared the figures a ‘ scandal ’. It was not all bad news , as the NHS were meeting some of their targets , including the ‘ two-week wait target ’ for getting 93 % of patients to see a specialist within a fortnight of a GP referral . But of the 33,404 people who started cancer treatment between July and September 2014 , more than 5,500 were not treated within the 62 day target . Urological cancers had the lowest percentage of patients treated on time with 98.1 %, with breast cancer patients having the highest percentage of being treated on time at 95.1 %.
Two and a half years on , sadly these targets still do not appear to be met , as over the past three years , the number of people waiting longer than 62 days has risen steadily ( year-on-year rise ) from 20,534 in 2014 to 25,157 in 2016 .
Macmillan Cancer Support states that the number of patients waiting too long for treatment in 2016 has almost doubled in the past five years . In total , more than 100,000 people have waited beyond the NHS ’ target of 62 days in this time .
Macmillan warns that waiting for treatment could be distressing for patients whilst experts believe it could hamper a patient ’ s chance of survival . Dr Fran Woodward , Executive Director of Policy and Impact at Macmillan Cancer Support stated : “ Everyone is suffering . Patients are waiting too long for treatment and it ’ s leaving them anxious and depressed . Many healthcare professionals are feeling overstretched with their morale on the floor ”.
It is clearly no secret that the NHS is under a huge amount of pressure at the moment , and many feel it is being pushed to the limit in terms of targets to be met , and the increased number of patients . In 2014 , the BBC reported that Macmillan feared the NHS would be pushed to its limit by the rising number of cancer patients . At that point , the Department of Health said it had invested £ 750m in cancer care . These figures come at a time when cancer is widely regarded as the most feared disease , with it being estimated that 1 in 2 people born after 1960 in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime . According to Macmillan , there are 2.5 million people living with cancer in the UK ( this number
However , whilst this recent research showing failed targets appears to be another blow for the NHS , some have pointed out that the UK is making good progress in its treatment of cancer . An NHS spokesperson told The Argus : “ For cancer patients , it ’ s successful treatment that matters most , so Macmillan might also mention NHS cancer survival rates are now at their highest ever . That means another 2,400 people will be alive this year to celebrate their birthday who last year would not have been – clearly a very ‘ happy anniversary ’ for them and their loved ones .”
There are constantly articles in the press about research being carried out and developments in the treatment of cancer . People are becoming more aware of how their lifestyle choices affect their health , and cancer busting drug treatments are regularly being tested . So although these missed targets may be bad news for the NHS , perhaps the overall progress that is being made everyday in the fight against cancer will help us to beat this disease . At Mayo Wynne Baxter , we see many cases involving cancer , from delay in diagnosis to mistreatment . If you or a family member have been affected by any care relating to cancer treatment , and you believe you may have been the victim of medical negligence during your treatment , contact a member of our team to discuss your concerns on 0800 84 94 101 .
By Hannah Baty
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