The wait time for a cancer diagnosis in England has fallen for the first time in two years, according to the latest data published by NHS England.
From December 2024 to November 2025, figures revealed that 76.3% of people were told whether they had cancer, or if cancer could be definitively excluded, within four weeks of an urgent referral.
This marks a more than two percent rise from 2023, where only 74.1% of people were told of their diagnosis over the same 12 month period.
This means that fewer people were left waiting on an official diagnosis and could begin their treatments sooner.
The rise in standards follows the introduction of the NHS’ 28-day ‘Faster Diagnosis Standard’ (FDS) two years ago.
It was brought in by the public body to ensure that at least 75% of people who had been referred by a GP for suspected cancer, or following an abnormal cancer screening result, were diagnosed within the month.
Yet, for many the wait is still too long.
Anna, 53, described the anxiety of not knowing whether she had cancer as ‘unbearable’.
The mother-of-two had been urgently referred by her GP following the discovery of a suspicious lump in her stomach.
She waited two weeks for an ultrasound, and another week-and-a-half for an MRI, CT scan and subsequent biopsy.
By the time the biopsy results came back three weeks later, they confirmed what she had suspected all along.
She said: “Those weeks of waiting were some of the hardest I’ve had to go through.
“Waking up every morning not knowing whether it will be the day you get the news, it was awful.”
Her experience led her to seek alternative treatment beyond the NHS, and she is currently receiving chemotherapy abroad.
However, Anna did not wish to blame her drawn-out diagnosis on the system, adding: “The staff I spoke to were so kind and helpful. There are just too many people waiting for answers and not enough resources to help them.
“I can only hope fewer people in the future experience the devastating wait and uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis.”
A representative from Cancer Research UK said that while it was ‘encouraging to see that the FDS target was achieved this month, far too many patients continue to face long waits for treatment – despite the best efforts of NHS staff.’
The number of people to receive their first course of cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral also rose from last year.
According to the data, 70.2% of people diagnosed were treated within two months, up by almost two percent.
However, this falls drastically short of the NHS’ target of 85%, which has not been met since December 2015.
Long wait times to access treatment options often have a direct impact on people’s ability to effectively manage or cure their illness. In a study by the BMJ, even a month of delay to cancer treatment led to a 6 to 13% higher risk of dying.
However, Cancer Research UK added: “Despite delays, people shouldn’t put off coming forward if they are worried about symptoms.
“It’s always better to be on the waiting list than not at all.”
NHS England have been contacted for a comment.
Featured image credit: Andrik Langfield via Unsplash
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