NHS Cancer Targets

This Debate Pack contains background information, as well as press and parliamentary material, in addition to further reading suggestions which Members may find useful when preparing for this debate.

In 2015, the Independent Cancer Taskforce published Achieving World-Class Cancer Outcomes: A Strategy for England 2015-2020.  This new Cancer Strategy for England recommended the introduction of a new 28-day diagnostic waiting target to replace the existing 14-day standard.  In response, the Government committed to introducing the 28-day standard by 2020, as well as up to an additional £300 million more in funding on diagnostics to help meet the target.  Much of the recent debate on cancer targets in England has been how best to promote improved outcomes through cancer targets.

This Debate Pack contains the latest statistics for cancer waiting times in England, based on the most recent NHS England figures.  It also contains information and statistics on the cancer waiting time standards for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.