Cancer treatment backlog could last until 2033

New research has found that it could take until 2033 to clear England’s cancer treatment ‘missing patients backlog’ caused by the pandemic.

A report released today by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Carnall Farrar consultancy, has found that even if stretched hospitals can maintain activity levels 5 per cent above pre-pandemic levels, this backlog will not be cleared until at least 2033.

However, if activity levels can be increased further and maintained at 15 per cent above pre-pandemic levels, backlogs across the cancer care pathway could be cleared by next year, the report said.

While the number of people who need cancer treatment has not changed, the research shows that during the pandemic 369,000 fewer people than expected were referred to a specialist for a suspected new cancer diagnosis- 15% lower than expected.

The report argues that returning to pre-pandemic standards of cancer care should not be the limit of ministers’ ambition.

Pre-pandemic the UK had poor cancer outcomes compared to similar countries, the lowest numbers of CT and MRI scanners per head in the OECD and workforce shortages across all cancer-related services. Cuts to public health services across the country have also played a role in the UK’s poor population health and cancer survival rates, according to IPPR.

Chris Thomas, senior research fellow at IPPR, said: “The impact of the pandemic on cancer services cannot be disassociated from the political and policy decisions that came before it. Years of austerity ripped the resilience out of cancer care.”

Dr Parth Patel, IPPR research fellow and an NHS Doctor, said: “The funding announced this month is just about enough to keep the health service afloat, but does not provide the funds needed to bring down pandemic backlogs as quickly as possible or transform service quality. The government has pledged to improve cancer survival in this country, which lags far behind most similar countries. That will take investment in diagnostic kit, immediate and long-term plans to expand the workforce and much bolder policy on prevention.”