Key points from article :
Senior doctors warn that up to half of cancer patients in England and Wales may not be receiving the right treatment due to failings in NHS services. The National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre (NatCan), led by Professor Ajay Aggarwal, has identified significant disparities in care for prostate, kidney, and colon cancers. Their audit, published by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) for NHS England and the Welsh government, reveals that many patients are not receiving nationally recommended treatments, with variations in care depending on the hospital.
For example, 30% of high-risk prostate cancer patients do not receive curative treatment, and 50% of stage four renal cell carcinoma patients do not get drug therapy. While some patients may opt out of treatment or be medically unfit, the scale of the shortfall raises concerns about systemic issues, including hospital staffing and referral processes.
Cancer charities and experts stress that improving access to existing treatments could save lives. Tim Mitchell, president of the RCS, emphasized that while the NHS has world-class cancer treatments, inconsistent delivery means many patients miss out. The forthcoming national cancer strategy, expected later this year, aims to tackle these disparities and ensure equal access to life-saving care across the country.
