In 2024, some 62.2% of patients started treatment within 62 days following an urgent suspected cancer referral, Cancer Research UK said.
Some 56% of patients with gastrointestinal cancers, such as bowel and anal, were treated on time in 2024, along with 59.1% of lung cancer patients, according to Cancer Research UK.
In December, the proportion of patients who had waited no longer than 62 days from an urgent suspected cancer referral, or consultant upgrade, to their first definitive treatment for cancer was 71.3%, up from 69.4% the previous month.
A coalition of cancer charities, known as One Cancer Voice, is also calling on the Government to address long waits.
Dame Laura Lee, chief executive of cancer support charity Maggie’s, said: “Waiting to begin cancer treatment can be an incredibly distressing and anxious time.
