Updated information on modernising cancer waiting times standards

NHS England has published further information about modernising cancer waiting times standards, including a series of frequently asked questions. As a reminder, from 1 October, cancer waiting time standards are being modernised and simplified, moving to three measures:

• 28-day Faster Diagnosis Standard – diagnosis or ruling out of cancer within 28 days of referral (target 75%)
• 31-day Treatment Standard – a first treatment within a month of decision to treat for all cancer patients (target 96%)
• 62-day Treatment Standard – a first treatment within two months of referral or consultant upgrade (target 85%)

Faster Diagnosis is in place already and remains unchanged. Changes taking place are:

• Removal of 2-week-wait standard
• Combining existing 31-day first and subsequent treatment standards into one
• Expanding 62-day standard to include patients from screening and consultant upgrade as well as those referred by GP

There is no change to how GPs refer patients onto a suspected cancer pathway. All changes will be made in the reporting of the standard. The changes will allow more focus on outcomes not processes and encourage modern cancer diagnostic practices like one-stop-shops, remote image review, and straight-to-test.

Providers must make sure that the copy in letters generated by the Electronic Referral Service (e-RS) to patients when they are referred onto urgent suspected cancer pathways is updated as necessary.

The Faster Diagnosis Standard target will increase gradually to 80% by 2026.

Where to access more information

More information is available on our webpage for healthcare professionals.

We also have more information for GPs on a dedicated webpage.

You can also read more information in the Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also download a one page summary of the changes.