Dozens of Parliamentarians have written to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, calling on the Government to tackle long cancer waiting times in the NHS.
Radiotherapy UK and the #CatchUpWithCancer campaign invited MPs to sign the letter at a drop-in event yesterday (July 15, 2025).
The UK’s dismal record of delays has continued over the past year, with almost one-third of cancer patients still waiting too long to start treatment (see graph below). Patients are meant to start their first treatment for cancer within two months of an urgent referral for suspected cancer.
Delays impact survival rates and health outcomes: every 4 week delay after the 62 days target can lead in some cases to a 10% increase in death rate.
The letter was delivered yesterday after MPs heard directly from cancer patients and members of the radiotherapy workforce about the extent of the delays.
Leading oncologist, Chair of Radiotherapy UK and co-founder of the #CatchUpWithCancer campaign, Professor Pat Price said:
“This is a red flag moment for cancer care. Too many patients are waiting too long for their care. As an oncologist, this continues to feel like a national embarrassment with deadly consequences. The upcoming cancer plan is the right decision for the Government to take, but only if it includes actions that deliver real change for cancer patients.”
Key cancer target slump
The graph above shows clearly the decline in timely cancer treatment. The 62-day treatment target is seen as crucial in improving outcomes and survival rates, but has not been reached since 2015. Recent improvements are still a long way from meeting the actual target, with many left waiting anxiously.
With thanks to our supporters
Radiotherapy UK would like to thank everyone who attended the event yesterday, including Sam, Mariam and Tammy from our Ambassadors’ Network; and Holly and Andy, who graciously shared their lived experience of cancer.
We were also delighted to welcome industry experts, the campaign taskforce, Heads of Department and members of the APPG for Radiotherapy.
Our gratitude also for the many people who wrote to their MPs and urged them to attend. It really makes a huge difference.
Your region or nation - poster download
Want to help? Download a poster for your region or nation and learn more about the state of the nation when it comes to cancer care.
Radiotherapy UK and the #CatchUpWithCancer campaign is urging decision makers to focus on radiotherapy funding, including AI technology, which can drastically cut waits for patients.
VIDEO: #CatchUpWithCancer
We were honoured to be joined by Craig Russell, co-founder of #CatchUpWithCancer and Tim Farron MP, for a webinar before the 15th, discussing the drive behind the campaign and how we can all become advocates for UK cancer patients.