UK cancer patients are being failed as new figures released show that the 62-day-wait target for treatment has been breached for the third consecutive quarter.

Sarah Woolnough, Cancer Research UK’s executive director of policy and information, said: “This isn’t just about missed targets – consecutive breaches mean thousands of patients are being failed. Today’s figures show that more than a third of all NHS trusts in England have breached the ‘62 day target’. These targets exist to ensure swift diagnosis of cancer and access to treatment, which is vital if we’re serious about having the best survival rates in the world. Patients want confidence that suspected cancer is taken seriously and prioritised by the NHS. These breaches have become a trend and they are worsening, which is why urgent action must be taken to support the NHS.”

Source: Cancer Research UK