Nearly 1000 cancer patients waiting more than six months for treatment, three times the NHS target
EMBARGO: 22.30 3rd February 2026
Ahead of the National Cancer plan, a freedom of information request by the Liberal Democrats reveals the shocking state of NHS cancer care, with one patient waiting 673 days for treatment.
Nearly 92% of Trusts that responded recorded patients waiting over 6 months for cancer treatment in 2025, which is three times the NHS standard of two months.
The data also reveals in 2025, that 20.34% of trusts that responded had waits of over a year for treatment. In Coventry and Warwickshire, one patient waited 673 days for treatment.
A sharp postcode lottery has emerged, with 29/59 trusts (49%) recording at least 10 patients waiting over 6 months for treatment in 2025. In 14 (23.73%) Trusts at least 20 patients had to wait over 6 months for treatment.
In Coventry and Warwickshire a shocking 53 patients had to wait over six months, while in Newcastle and Wolverhampton 59 and 60 patients had to wait six months respectively.
Ahead of the National Cancer plan, the Liberal Democrats are calling for a guarantee that 100% of patients start treatment for cancer within 62 days from urgent referral, with this right written into law. The party would deliver this through 200 extra staffed radiotherapy machines, new radiotherapy centres in underserved communities, and over 3,000 more cancer nurses to ensure everyone has a specialist supporting them.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Primary Care and Cancer Spokesperson, Helen Maguire MP said:
“Cancer services were left on their knees by the Conservatives, leaving thousands of cancer patients waiting dangerously long for the care they need. It shames Britain that people are dying on cancer waiting lists, after months or even a year of suffering without any treatment.
“Liberal Democrats would write into law a guarantee for 100% of cancer patients to be treated within 62 days, backed by 200 new staffed radiotherapy machines and thousands of extra cancer nurses.
“Too many families' lives are being shattered due to a broken system. The Government must finally offer hope and end the tragedy of dangerous long waits or patients will never forgive them.”
Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Helen Morgan MP said:
“Everyone knows someone whose life has been turned upside down by cancer.
“Far too many people are still waiting, far too long for a diagnosis, or to start treatment after being diagnosed. We must do right by them and get them the care they need when they need it.
“The Liberal Democrats would give cancer patients a guarantee of treatment within two months of an urgent referral, to make sure they get the care they deserve.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Full data can be found here.
