NHS cancer checks have topped three million in a year for the
first time – more than doubling in the last decade.
New analysis shows that there were 3,035,698 urgent cancer
referrals for patients in the last year (March 2023- Feb 2024) ,
compared to 1,335,350 in the same period ten years ago. (March
2013- Feb 2024)
The NHS is committed to diagnosing more cancers at an earlier
stage when it is easier to treat. More cancers than ever before
are being caught at stages one and two.
There were more than a quarter of a million checks in February
alone, an increase of more than 10% compared to the same month
last year.
Last week, the NHS exceeded its 28 day faster diagnosis target
for the first time, with more than three quarters of people (78%)
receiving the all clear or a definitive diagnosis within four
weeks.
NHS chiefs today said that having cancer referrals at an all time
high plays an important part in getting more cancers detected
early. NHS drives continue with cancer awareness messages
on urinal mats in pubs and football grounds.
From lung trucks in supermarket carparks to surgical hubs, the
efforts of NHS staff are continuing to help diagnose more cancers
and tackle the longest waits for cancer treatment.
The NHS has also pledged to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040,
setting out plans to increase HPV vaccine and screening uptake,
to save thousands of lives every year.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS clinical director for cancer
said: “Despite a challenging year for the NHS as
everyone worked to recover services, record numbers of people
were referred by hardworking GPs for vital checks, with over
three million referrals over the last year – this means more
people are coming forward when they have worrying signs and
symptoms.
“Cancer caught early gives people a much better chance of
successful treatment – this is why we have a huge focus on
finding new ways to reach people in their communities – from lung
trucks and liver vans to community diagnostic centres.
“Every year we are seeing new treatments and technology coming
through for patients, so while I know that coming forward isn't
always easy and people worry about the outcome, I'd really
encourage anyone who has a symptom that might be cancer to get
checked without delay.
“Talking about cancer helps saves lives too, so if you're seeing
friends and loved ones who have health concerns, do encourage
them to get checked too – the NHS wants to see people at the
earliest opportunity.”
The NHS website has a range of
information and advice on cancer symptoms.
Health Minister Andrew Stephenson said:
“A cancer diagnosis is devastating for both patients and their
families but we know that the earlier cancer is found, the better
the chances of a positive outcome, so I welcome the news that the
NHS has delivered a record number of cancer checks over the last
year.
"We are committed to seeing and treating cancer patients through
earlier diagnosis and improving survival rates, and have invested
record funding into cancer support, including £2.3 billion for
160 Community Diagnostic Centres to make it even easier to access
local support.
“Thanks to these kind of innovations, cancer screening
programmes, and measures to help people quit smoking, survival
rates are improving across almost all types of cancer.”
