Professor Pat Price, Chair of Radiotherapy UK, speaks to BBC Breakfast about worsening cancer waiting times in England and the urgent need to get treatment back on track.
The Government’s National Cancer Plan set a target for 80% of patients to begin treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral by March 2027, rising to 85% by 2029. But cancer charities are warning that progress is moving in the wrong direction.
As Professor Price explains, this isn’t simply about meeting targets – it’s about people. Around 9,000 patients a month are not starting treatment on time, and delays can have devastating consequences for patients and their families.
At Radiotherapy UK, our #CatchUpWithCancer campaign is calling for urgent action to tackle cancer treatment delays and ensure patients get the care they need, when they need it.
Because behind every waiting-time statistic is a person waiting for cancer treatment.