Despite recent improvements, staff are hampered by too few workers and a lack of diagnostic equipment, such as CT and MRI scanners, experts said More than 380,000 cancer patients have not been treated on time since 2015, according to data analysed by Cancer Research UK.
The RCR reports were based on 100 per cent response rate surveys of cancer centre heads and clinical directors of radiology departments in the UK. Amid the data, the typical age of consultants leaving the workforce has fallen, from 57 in 2021 to 54 in 2023. The RCR said one third of consultants leaving the workforce are under 45.Cancer Research UK said that, despite recent improvements, staff are hampered by too few workers and a lack of diagnostic equipment, such as CT and MRI scanners.
“Any incoming UK government must make tackling cancer waits a top priority, and pledge to meet all cancer waiting time targets by the end of the next parliament. “The immense strain on an overburdened system, coupled with exhausted staff and increasing demand, creates a toxic cocktail for our NHS.