Key points from article :
Nearly 3 million people in England received urgent cancer checks in the last year (2022-2023).
This marks a 26% rise compared to pre-pandemic times and 5% more than the previous year.
Increase in referrals were linked to population aging, pandemic backlog, and increased awareness due to campaigns.
Over 90% receive an all-clear, and more are diagnosed at earlier stages.
Despite record testing, many wait over 4 weeks for diagnosis, exceeding the target.
Across the UK, treatment targets are consistently missed, falling short of 85% and below the 64% recorded in October 2022.
"We are seeing progress with more people than ever before being diagnosed at stage one and two," - Cally Palmer, national cancer director for NHS England.
Charities urge stronger government support for cancer services and workforce.
