NHS Cancer Treatment Targets Missed by Majority of Trusts, Data Reveals
Just three out of 119 acute NHS trusts in England met or exceeded the long-standing 85% target for cancer treatment waiting times in 2025, according to a new analysis of NHS England figures. This target, which requires 85% of patients to begin treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral, has not been achieved at a national level since 2014, underscoring persistent challenges in the healthcare system.
Wide Variations in Trust Performance
The analysis, conducted by the Press Association, reveals significant disparities among NHS trusts. While some trusts performed well, others saw only about half of their patients treated on time. For instance, the top-performing trusts included Calderdale and Huddersfield at 89.2%, Homerton Healthcare at 85.8%, and Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells at 85.7%. In contrast, the worst performers, such as Mid and South Essex at 45.4% and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals at 50.1%, fell far short of the target.
Overall, across England, 69.1% of patients started cancer treatment within 62 days in 2025, a slight increase from 67.7% in 2024 but still below the 85% goal. The government has set an interim target of 75% by March 2026, but current data indicates that only around a quarter of trusts reached above this threshold last year.
Extended Waits and Trust Responses
In some trusts, a concerning proportion of patients experienced waits of more than 104 days. For example, at University Hospitals of Leicester, 13.7% of patients starting treatment in December 2025 had waited this long, with similar figures at Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn (14.5%), Sheffield Teaching Hospitals (14.9%), and Guy's and St Thomas' (15.5%). Hull University Teaching Hospitals and Mid and South Essex reported even higher rates, at 16.5% and 17.0%, respectively.
Trust leaders have acknowledged these issues and are implementing measures to improve performance. Kirsten Major, chief executive of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, stated that improving cancer waiting times is a top priority, with actions including additional clinics and diagnostic capacity. A spokeswoman for Guy's & St Thomas' emphasized that enhancing access to services is key, with ongoing efforts to accelerate progress.
National Context and Future Plans
An NHS spokesman highlighted that while record numbers of patients are being seen and treated for cancer, with over three-quarters receiving a diagnosis or all-clear within four weeks, unacceptable waits for first treatment remain. The National Cancer Plan aims to address these delays over the next three years, focusing on meeting all cancer standards and improving survival rates through more personalized care.
This data comes amid broader concerns about cancer care, including rising cases among young people and the need for systemic improvements. As trusts work to turn around their performance, the spotlight remains on achieving timely treatment for all patients, a critical aspect of effective cancer management in the NHS.
