It is encouraging news that the NHS is diagnosing more patients with cancer at an earlier stage than ever before, according to new analysis.
Almost half a million more patients were checked between March 2021 and August 2022 compared to the same period before the pandemic, with at least 100,000 patients receiving early diagnoses last year. Crucially, 20% more people with suspected cancer are being referred every month.
To increase these rates further, new initiatives from lung scanning trucks in the heart of local communities, to high street cancer checks and cancer symptom hotlines are being rolled out. It is brilliant that we now have 91 new NHS community diagnostic centres open across England which provide vital diagnostic capacity.
Early diagnosis and new treatments save lives. That is why I welcome that around £2.3 billion is being invested to expand diagnostics along with £1.5 billion for treatment, with a focus on cancer.
We know that the NHS faces real pressures. However, these encouraging statistics show that progress in tackling the elective backlogs that built up during the pandemic is being made. We are all grateful to the focus, dedication and commitment of those working in the NHS. This progress is down to their exemplary work.
