More than 100,000 cancer patients in England are expected to face potentially life-threatening delays in starting treatment as the National Health Service (NHS) risks missing a key waiting time target, according to new analysis. The government’s National Cancer Plan, announced in February, set a goal of ensuring that 85 percent of patients begin cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent general practitioner (GP) referral. Currently, only 71 percent of patients start treatment within this timeframe.

While ministers pledged to reach the 85 percent target by March 2029, analysis by Cancer Research UK indicates that this milestone is unlikely to be achieved before 2032. This delay could result in 104,000 additional patients experiencing extended waits beyond the 62-day period compared to a scenario in which the target was met on schedule.

Delays in initiating treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can significantly reduce survival rates by allowing cancer to progress and can cause considerable distress for patients. The National Cancer Plan, introduced by then-Health Secretary Wes Streeting, aims to save 320,000 lives by 2035 and improve survival rates to three in four patients.

Cancer Research UK’s projection suggests that by March 2029, only 77.8 percent of patients will start treatment within the 62-day target, falling short of the government’s commitment. To meet the target, the NHS would need to treat an additional 1,400 patients per month within two months of their referral.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, emphasised the urgency of improving cancer care delivery. She stated that although NHS staff are working hard, the current trajectory indicates that the government must intensify efforts to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. “Cancer patients deserve more than ambitions. They deserve an NHS that has the staff and equipment it needs to diagnose and treat cancer on time, giving everyone the best possible chance of beating the disease,” Mitchell said.

In response, the Department of Health and Social Care noted that the analysis does not account for forthcoming improvements under the National Cancer Plan. The department highlighted recent progress, including enhanced performance against waiting time standards despite increased demand, and outlined plans to reduce delays further by expanding surgical hubs and investing in diagnostics.

The department also pointed to the role of the recently relaunched National Cancer Board, which will monitor progress against the plan’s commitments and advise ministers on necessary actions to improve cancer care.