NHS in England drops cancer waiting time targets

The NHS in England is dropping six of its cancer waiting time targets – claiming the move will benefit patients.

Instead of seeing a consultant within two weeks of an urgent referral by their GP – patients will now be offered a diagnosis, or have cancer ruled out within 28 days.

Figures show that cancer waiting times in England have consistently been well below Government targets – and oncologists have described the new plans as “deeply worrying”.