Professor Pat Price, co-founder of the #CatchUpWithCancer campaign, urges new Labour government to act fast.
“The legacy of cancer treatment delays will be measured in lost lives.
“The most recent cancer data shows that still a full third of cancer patients are not receiving treatment on time. The Secretary of State is right, the NHS is broken.
“It’s crucial for Wes Streeting and his team to recognise the colossal challenge in cancer care ahead. Reversing the decision to scrap the dedicated cancer plan of the previous government is vital."
Last week saw the first release of NHS Cancer Waiting Times since the Labour Government took power, setting the goalposts for the most pressing challenge in healthcare. Recent statistics show a terrible state of affairs for cancer patients in Northern Ireland, with 7 in 10 enduring treatment delays.
Bringing down these ‘legacy’ wait times, which Labour has inherited from the previous administration, should be a top priority for all stakeholders.
Since April last year, over 100,000 cancer patients in England have missed the 62-day treatment target after an urgent referral. This target is crucial for survival, as a 4-week delay increases the risk of death by 10%.