Cancer diagnoses in England reach record daily average

Cancer diagnoses in England have reached an unprecedented level, with the National Health Service identifying more than 1,000 new cases every day. According to the latest statistics from cancer registration services, over 373,000 people were diagnosed with the disease in 2024, marking the highest recorded figure in history.

The average daily number of diagnoses rose to 1,021 in 2024, an increase from 972 per day in the previous year. Prostate, breast, lung, and bowel cancers remained the most common forms, collectively accounting for half of all new diagnoses reported during the period.

Despite the rising numbers, there has been a modest improvement in the stage at which patients are first identified. In 2024, 56.7% of new cancer cases were detected at stage 1 or 2, compared to 55.8% in 2023. This shift indicates a slight progress in catching the disease earlier, a goal central to NHS cancer care strategies.

Prof Peter Johnson, the NHS national clinical director for cancer, described the figures as evidence that the health service is moving in the right direction. He highlighted the hard work of NHS staff, noting that teams are bringing tests and checks closer to patients. He emphasized that with new treatments constantly being developed, the focus remains on getting people seen and treated as early as possible.

However, experts have urged caution, pointing out that the NHS is still struggling to meet its strict timescale targets for diagnosis and treatment. The latest monthly figures indicate that in August, 78.6% of patients urgently referred for suspected cancer were diagnosed or had cancer ruled out within 28 days. This falls short of the 80% target set for the health service.

The gap between targets and performance is even wider regarding treatment start times. Only 71.9% of patients began treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or consultant upgrade, which is significantly below the 85% target. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing pressure on cancer services to streamline care pathways.

Dr Ian Walker, executive director of policy at Cancer Research UK, warned that while staff are diagnosing more people, too many are still being caught at a late stage. He stated that the health service requires additional support to reduce late-stage diagnoses and ensure patients are treated on time. He called on the UK government to maintain momentum on its national cancer plan for England, emphasizing the need for focused effort, clear accountability, and guaranteed resources for specialist staff and equipment.

Dr Hilary Williams, clinical vice-president at the Royal College of Physicians, noted that the daily average of over 1,000 diagnoses serves as a stark reminder of the growing demand on NHS cancer services. She identified an ageing population as a key factor in the rise, but also pointed to obesity as a major and often overlooked risk factor. Williams stressed the importance of continued improvements in early detection, including the expansion of targeted lung cancer screening.

Steven McIntosh, chief partnerships officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, highlighted that the aggregate figures mask persistent health inequalities. He explained that a person's identity and location can significantly impact their likelihood of getting cancer, the speed of their diagnosis, and their chances of survival. This underscores the need for equitable access to care across different communities.

Rachael Franklin, deputy chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, emphasized that breast cancer remains the leading cause of death among working-age women in the UK, with one in seven women expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime. She urged people of all ages to remain breast aware and to see a GP promptly for any new or unusual symptoms, while also encouraging eligible women to attend their screening appointments when invited.