Cancer waiting times
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There are waiting time targets for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the different UK nations.
Having to wait
Getting a diagnosis of cancer can sometimes take a while. Sometimes it might feel that you are waiting too long. Usually, everyone will have to wait for appointments and to have tests or get results. Only then you can start treatment. This can be frustrating and difficult to cope with.
You may begin to worry that the cancer will spread during this time. But we know that most cancers usually grow slowly. So waiting a few weeks for a scan or treatment does not usually affect how well the treatment works.
The different UK nations have their targets around:
- referral for suspected cancer
- waiting times to a diagnosis
- waiting times to start treatment
Urgent referral for suspected cancer
Your GP, dentist or nurse will arrange your referral to see a hospital doctor (specialist), or to have tests. They should tell you if this is an urgent referral for suspected cancer. An urg...
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