London advances in cancer diagnosis waiting times

A recent analysis of NHS data by Althea Soft has revealed stark regional disparities in cancer diagnosis waiting times across England.

London reported a 76.6% rate of diagnosing cancer within the 28-day clinical faster diagnosis standard, outpacing several regions of England. However, it fell short of the North East’s leading 81% cancer diagnosis waiting times rate.

While London and several other regions have made progress, the findings highlight a pressing need to address health inequalities across the country.

In contrast, the West Midlands reported the greatest need for improvements, with only 68% of patients receiving a diagnosis within the target timeframe, leaving 32% to wait longer for crucial diagnosis.

This means nearly one-third of patients in that region face delays in diagnosis, highlighting the need for urgent improvements

The North East leads the country with 81% of patients diagnosed in 28 days or less.

68% of patients in the West Midlands were assessed and diagnosed with cancer compared to 80.3% of patients in the East Midlands, highlighting stark disparities across the regions.

The Yorkshire and the Humber region ranks third with 77.5% of patients diagnosed within the 28-day window.

In the South of England results were more consistent with the South East reporting 76.5% of patients waited 28 days or less.

The diagnosis picture across the South West is similar. 77% of patients were assessed and diagnosed within that all-important 28-day time frame.

Within London, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust achieved the highest rate of diagnosis within 28 days with 93.10%. This was followed by Croydon Health Services NHS Trust (86.7%) Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (83.2%) and University College London Hospitals NHS Trust (80%).

These figures underscore broader health inequalities, as regions like the West Midlands face significantly lower diagnosis rates, potentially impacting outcomes

Laura Free, from Althea Soft commented: “These regional disparities in diagnostic waiting times are heartbreaking, particularly for potential cancer patients where early diagnosis is crucial.

“However, we must look beyond just the initial waiting period. It is important to monitor patients throughout their entire diagnostic journey.

“This means tracking how long patients wait for their first appointment, the time between tests, the impact on stress levels, and the wait for results and follow-up care.

“By monitoring each step of the diagnosis process, we can identify bottlenecks, reduce patient anxiety, and ensure that no one falls through the cracks of our healthcare system.”