Cancer waiting times
These statistics relate to waiting times standards introduced by the NHS Cancer Plan (2000) and the Cancer Reform Strategy (2007) and are retained in the Operating Framework for the NHS in England for 2011/12.
They include the following standards:
- Patients with suspected cancer having an appointment with a consultant within 2 weeks of an urgent referral by their GP
- Patients with diagnosed cancer beginning their first definitive treatment within 31 days of diagnosis
- Patients beginning their first definitive treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral by their GP for suspected cancer
The latest national statistics on cancer waiting times published by the Department of Health are for the 3-month period Oct–Dec 2011.
Current performance—Oct–Dec 2011
| Standard | C&W | National average |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment within 2 weeks of GP referral | 98.2% | 96.2% |
| Start of treatment within 31 days of diagnosis | 100% | 98.5% |
| Start of treatment within 62 days of GP referral | 100% | 87.9% |
