Cancer targets across the NHS are still being missed as latest data reveals that multiple trusts in the North East are seeing some patients wait over two months for treatment to begin.

As King Charles III begins treatment for cancer, latest figures from November 2023 show that some patients from trusts across the North East are facing long waits for treatment of which they have "urgently" been referred for.

Trusts in County Durham, South Tees, North Yorkshire and Tyneside have missed NHS targets which aims to diagnose and begin the treatment of of 85% of patients within 62 days.

In County Durham and Darlington, 80% of patients were diagnosed and began treatment within the time frame alongside 68% of those at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

55% of patients from Newcastle Hospitals Trust are diagnosed and treated within two months, whilst at South Tees Hospital Trust, 64% are seen within this period. 

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust affirmed diagnosis and treatment is one of their "highest priorities".

They said: “Being told that you may have cancer or receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a very difficult, anxious time and caring for patients within our cancer services as quickly and effectively as possible is one of our highest priorities. 

“In November 2023, over 2,350 people were referred to us with a suspicion of cancer.  The national target for these patients to receive a diagnosis is 28 days which we achieved in 87.3% of cases, well above the 75% target and well above the national average. 

“Of the patients diagnosed with cancer in November 2023, 80.4% began treatment within 62 days – including diagnosis. This is above the current national ambition set for all trusts to achieve 70% by the end of March 2024.”

A South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson emphasised the "challenge" imposed by the 62-day target.

They said: “Like many trusts across the country we recognise cancer performance against the 62-day target is a challenge, but it is something we take very seriously.

“In the last 12 months treatment numbers have significantly increased but we have continued to reduce the number of patients waiting beyond the 62-day target for treatment.

“We work closely with our experienced clinicians to support patients through every step of their cancer journey.”

A spokesperson for the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "It is well documented that the pandemic and industrial action have impacted on waiting times for planned operations, procedures, diagnostic tests and appointments and we are working hard to reduce our waiting times.

"The Trust has a detailed recovery plan and we have continued to prioritise diagnosis and treatment for patients with cancer.

"We are working closely with our partner NHS organisations and the cancer alliance to enable us to see and treat patients more quickly."

Dr Neil O'Brien, medical director at North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), added the region meets targets and is "improving."

He said: "We have a lot of work underway to speed up diagnosis and reduce waiting times for treatment. Across the North East and North Cumbria we regularly meet the target for patients receiving a diagnosis within 28 days, and our performance against the 62-day target for treatment is improving."

An NHS spokesman said: “The NHS is seeing and treating record numbers of people for cancer, with 30% more people being treated last year than in 2015/16 and almost three million people receiving potentially lifesaving cancer checks in the last 12 months, ensuring more people than ever before have been diagnosed at an early stage and cancer survival is at an all-time high.

“It is vital that people come forward if they are concerned about cancer symptoms – getting checked early saves lives.”

Professor Pat Price, co-founder of the #CatchUpWithCancer campaign, said: “Sadly, these figures are an ominous opening to what looks to be another deeply worrying year for both cancer patients and the frontline staff who are battling against the odds to care for them.”

He added: “These new figures reinforce a picture of years of abject failure and cancer treatment delays.”

Nationally, the most recent November data shows that one in 10 people miss out on being treated within 31 days after their cancer has been found and a decision has been made to treat them.

Some 90.1% are seen within this timeframe in England, lower than the 96% NHS target.

The study said the UK lags behind comparable countries such as Australia, Canada, Denmark and Norway in tackling the disease.

This is against a backdrop of rising cancer cases, with the charity warning that cases in the UK will increase by a fifth to around 506,000 by 2038/2040.

These figures come after King Charles III, 75, was diagnosed with a form of cancer on Monday (February 5).

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Buckingham Palace confirmed the King, who only acceded to the throne 17 months ago, does not have prostate cancer, despite having treatment for an enlarged prostate just over a week ago.

A statement read: “[The King] remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.

“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”