Record 1,000 cancer diagnoses a day in England as NHS struggles with targets

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 01:09 · Archive

England recorded more than 1,000 new cancer diagnoses every day in 2024, a record high, but the NHS is failing to meet treatment timescale targets.

England diagnosed more than 1,000 people with cancer every day in 2024, reaching a record 373,574 new diagnoses. This represents an increase of 11,833 cases compared with 2023 and marks the first time the average has surpassed 1,000 diagnoses per day since current records began. When common skin cancers are included, the total number of diagnoses reaches 616,404.

Prostate cancer remains the most common type, with diagnoses rising to 61,115 in 2024. Prostate, breast, lung and bowel cancers together accounted for half of all new diagnoses. The figures also showed improvements in early detection, with 56.7 per cent of cancers diagnosed at stages 1 and 2 in 2024, up from 55.8 per cent in 2023.

Professor Peter Johnson, the NHS national clinical director for cancer, said the figures demonstrated the service was 'moving in the right direction' and credited NHS staff for their efforts. He stated that 'NHS teams across the country are taking tests and checks closer to the people who need them, and with new treatments being developed all the time, we will continue to do all we can to get people seen and treated for cancer as early as possible'.

Cancer charities urged caution, however, highlighting persistent failures to meet NHS timescale targets. Only 78.6 per cent of patients urgently referred for suspected cancer were diagnosed or had cancer ruled out within 28 days in August, falling short of the 80 per cent target. The NHS has failed to meet its target of 85 per cent of patients beginning treatment within 62 days of diagnosis every year since 2015, with only 71.9 per cent achieving this in July.

Steven McIntosh, chief partnerships officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, noted that where a person lives continues to have 'a significant impact' on their likelihood of developing cancer, how quickly they are diagnosed and their chances of survival. Cancer charities have urged the government to fulfil its pledges to improve early diagnosis, waiting times and treatment access as set out in its national cancer plan for England.

How it is being reported

• Cancer diagnoses hit record high of more than 1,000 people a dayCharities warn the NHS continues to fail to meet its targets on diagnosis and treatmentThe Independent · 5 Nov, 23:47
• NHS England cancer diagnoses at record high with 1,000 people diagnosed every dayWhile NHS is identifying more cases, it is failing to meet timescale targets on diagnosis and treatment, experts say Cancer diagnoses in England have hit record highs, with more than 1,000 people diagnosed every day, NHS figures show. But experts warned that although the health service is identifying more cases, it is still failing to meet timescale targets on diagnosis and treatment. Continue reading...The Guardian · 5 Nov, 18:49
• More than 1,000 cancer cases diagnosed each day in England, research showsProfessor Peter Johnson, the NHS national clinical director for cancer, said the figures showed the service is ‘moving in the right direction' when it comes to fighting the diseaseThe Mirror · 5 Nov, 16:16

In this story: NHS England · Macmillan Cancer Support · Cancer Research UK · Peter Johnson · Steven McIntosh · Ian Walker · England

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