Cancer treatment cannot wait
Our latest research has found that nearly 1,000 patients in 2025 waited over six months for treatment; three times the NHS’ two-month target. One fifth of NHS trusts reported waits of over a year, with one patient having to wait an unbelievable 673 days.
It shames Britain that people are dying whilst on cancer waiting lists, after months or even a year of suffering while waiting to start treatment.
Cancer services were left on their knees by the Conservatives - but 18 months into this Labour Government, little has changed.
Liberal Democrats have a plan to boosting cancer survival rates and improving the quality of life for patients and their families:
- Two-month cancer treatment guarantee. A new target for 100% of patients to start treatment for cancer within 62 days from urgent referral, with this right written into law. Currently this is only a government pledge, and 40% of patients wait longer than 62 days.
- Boost access to radiotherapy. 200 extra staffed radiotherapy machines, new radiotherapy centres in underserved communities.
- Halve the time for new treatments to reach patients. It takes an average of 11 months for a new medicine or medical technology to be approved and available to patients in England, compared to just 4 months in Germany. We will expand the MHRA’s capacity to speed up that process.
- Improve support for patients and their families. Over 3,000 more cancer nurses to ensure everyone has a specialist supporting them. Ensure patients and their families are given information about charities, patient support groups and financial support at every key stage: referral, diagnosis and starting treatment.
Back Our Cancer Care Plan
Liberal Democrats have announced a new five-year plan to boost cancer survival rates.
