In a landmark move that could transform cancer care across England, leading charities and cross-party politicians are demanding a legal right for all cancer patients to begin treatment within 60 days of diagnosis.
The Two-Month Lifeline: Why Timing Matters
New analysis reveals the stark reality facing cancer patients today. While the existing NHS target aims for 85% of patients to start treatment within two months, recent performance shows the health service is falling dramatically short, achieving just 71.9% in September. This means thousands face agonising delays during their most vulnerable moments.
Macmillan Cancer Support warns that every four weeks of delay can increase mortality risk by up to 10% - making swift treatment not just preferable but potentially life-saving.
Who's Behind the Campaign?
The coalition pushing for change represents a powerful united front:
- Macmillan Cancer Support
- Cancer Research UK
- Cross-party MPs including Labour's Wes Streeting and Conservative Theo Clarke
- The Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce
Beyond Targets: Enforcing Accountability
This isn't merely about setting another NHS target. The proposed Cancer Time to Treatment Act would create enforceable legal rights, empowering patients to demand timely care rather than hoping the system delivers.
"We're talking about transforming targets from aspirations into actual legal entitlements," explains Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support. "When you're facing cancer, every day counts."
The Human Cost of Waiting
Behind the statistics are real people like Ian Kift, diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer after multiple delays. "The waiting was torture," he shares. "You're left wondering if those lost weeks could have made a difference to my prognosis."
For patients with less survivable cancers - including lung, liver, brain, pancreatic, and stomach cancers - speed is particularly crucial, with average five-year survival rates below 20%.
Political Crossroads for Cancer Care
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the challenges, citing increased demand and NHS recovery efforts. However, campaigners argue that without legal enforcement, improvements may remain inconsistent.
As the political debate intensifies, one message rings clear: for cancer patients across England, time isn't just money - it's potentially life itself.
