Cancer treatment waiting times performance drops to record worst performance

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People who are suspected of having cancer may have to wait more than 62 days for their first treatment, according to latest NHS statistics.

Between April and June 89.7 per cent of patients across Scotland started treatment within the 62 day standard, a decrease from 90.2 per cent in the previous quarter. The target is 95 per cent.

This is the worst performance since records began in 2010 following a 2008 action plan by the Scottish Government.

The 62 day standard, a Scottish Government target, was met by two health boards: NHS Borders and NHS Lanarkshire.

Gregor McNie, Cancer Research UK’s senior public affairs manager in Scotland, said the statistics were “unacceptable”.

“Patients must be diagnosed and treated swiftly if they are to have the best chance of survival. Early diagnosis of patients is a priority in Scotland’s new cancer strategy, but we want to see fast progress to ensure patients are not left waiting too long,” he said.

Health secretary Shona Robison launched a new five to ten-year cancer strategy in March. However in July it emerged targets on early detections of breast, bowel and lung cancers were being missed in every health board area.