Last year, more than 71,000 individuals diagnosed with cancer experienced delays exceeding the 62-day goal before commencing treatment.
The number has jumped by 86% in just two years, from 38,083 to 70,929. The figures – uncovered by Lib Dem leader Ed Davey – also show a 68% rise in cancer patients waiting more than six months to start treatment.
The number soared from 1,339 in 2020/21 to 2,252 in 2022/23. Last year, there were even 42 cancer patients stuck on the waiting list for more than a year.
Mr Davey said: “I lost both my parents to cancer when I was young, so like millions of people I know that every day counts. It’s a scandal that so many people are still waiting months and months to start treatment.
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“These delays cause so much fear and distress, as well as reducing the chances of survival. I’m afraid that cancer patients and their families have been let down and forgotten by this Conservative Government.”
Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell said the figures were “deeply concerning”. She added: “The UK Government must invest more money in staff and equipment to end these unacceptable waiting lists.”
The Department for Health and Social Care said: “We have opened 121 community diagnostic centres across the country to offer quicker and more convenient checks outside of hospitals. This will speed up cancer diagnosis and help deliver on our priority to cut waiting lists.”