Exclusive analysis reveals that three-quarters of NHS hospital trusts in England are failing to meet key cancer targets, prompting experts to declare a 'national emergency'. The first league tables of their kind, published by Labour, rank trusts on various measures including finances, patient safety, and waiting times.
The Guardian's analysis of the data shows that 90 out of 118 trusts (76%) are missing the target of ruling cancer in or out within 28 days of urgent referrals in at least 80% of cases. Additionally, 86 trusts (73%) fail to start treatment within 62 days for 75% of patients. Delays can lead to worse outcomes and earlier death, with cancer causing about one in four deaths in the UK.
Cancer experts expressed alarm. Paula Chadwick, chief executive of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: 'Three-quarters of NHS hospitals failing to meet cancer targets is nothing short of a national emergency. Behind every missed target is a person left waiting, a family left in limbo, and lives put at greater risk.' Helen Dickens of Breast Cancer Now called the figures 'devastating', while Susanna Daniels of Melanoma Focus highlighted risks for melanoma patients.
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust ranked worst on the 62-day treatment target, with only 42.2% of patients starting treatment within two months. It was also second worst on the 28-day diagnosis target, at 59.2%. Chief executive Matthew Hopkins said: 'Our patients deserve better and so we are absolutely focused on improving our position.' Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust was worst on diagnosis (57.5%) and third worst on treatment (49.3%).
Top performers included Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, which achieved 87.3% on the 62-day target, and Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, which ruled cancer in or out within 28 days in 88.6% of cases. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the league tables would pinpoint where urgent support is needed.
