A recent analysis of NHS England figures indicates that almost all NHS trusts are failing to meet a critical target for cancer treatment, with merely three out of 119 acute trusts achieving or exceeding the goal of treating 85% of patients within 62 days of their referral. This analysis, conducted by the Press Association for the year 2025, highlights significant discrepancies among the trusts, some of which are reporting that around 50% of patients are receiving treatment on time, with others facing waits exceeding 104 days.

The target of ensuring that 85% of patients begin treatment within 62 days from the receipt of their cancer referral has been in place for several years. However, the NHS has not met this benchmark since 2014, indicating a persistent challenge within the health system. As the government now sets an interim target of 75% to be achieved by March 2026, the urgency for improvement becomes even more pronounced.

The findings underscore the ongoing struggles faced by the NHS in providing timely cancer care. With only a small fraction of trusts meeting expectations, the implications extend beyond individual patient experiences to encompass broader concerns about healthcare accessibility and quality in England. As more patients seek medical care, these delays raise significant questions about resource allocation and the system’s capacity to respond to critical health needs.