The hidden wait for cancer care

Healthwatch England's research on GP referrals highlighted the frustration patients experience due to long waits and a lack of support. This latest analysis looks at people’s experience of getting a cancer referral.

One in two people will develop cancer during their lifetime in the UK. And for most cancers care can only begin with a referral from GP to hospital teams for tests and treatment.

The NHS Long Term Plan aims to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment, and more recently NHS England identified that short waiting times not only lead to better outcomes and fewer complications but are important in terms of easing patient anxiety and improving experience too.

However, our research paints a worrying picture that suggests there is still much to do to ensure cancer is flagged at the earliest opportunity and that pathways to diagnosis and treatment are as smooth as possible.

Our research also aims to help the government and NHS leaders understand the importance of seeing the person behind the cancer, and that small changes can make a big difference to people at an incredible difficult time in their lives.

Key Findings

Almost half, 45%, of respondents are not referred for suspected cancer at their first appointment.
Over one in four, 28%, wait up to a month after their first appointment to be told they are being referred.
And almost one in six, 16%, wait over a month after their first appointment.
Around one in seven, 14%, are still waiting for referrals to be confirmed over a month after the decision to refer.
And one in 10 cancer referrals don’t directly progress to a hospital appointment, with some referrals either rejected, lost, or otherwise not booked.