NHS cancer checks have topped three million in a year for the first time – more than doubling in the last decade. 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 1 and 2.
New figures 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 2014). 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.
During April, 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.
Having cancer referrals at an all-time high plays an important part in getting more cancers detected early. 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 GPs for vital checks. 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.”
