Published on 19 April 2024
NHS cancer checks have topped three million in a year for the first time, with the North West accounting for almost half a million of that overall figure - and cancer diagnosis in Cheshire and Merseyside is becoming quicker.
Analysis shows that of the 3,035,698 urgent cancer referrals in the last year (March 2023 – February 2024), 430,687 were in the North West.
In the past decade, urgent cancer referrals have more than doubled in the region from 173,471 in the same period ten years ago (March 2013-February 2014).
The NHS is committed to diagnosing more cancers at an earlier stage when it is easier to treat. More cancers than ever before are being caught at stages one and two.
This month, the NHS exceeded its 28-day faster diagnosis target for the first time, with more than three-quarters of people (78.3%) in the North West receiving the all-clear or a definitive diagnosis within four weeks. The figures show Cheshire and Merseyside beat the national target of 75% of people having a cancer diagnosis or it ruled out within 28 days of referral by a GP or screening programme – here it was 76%.
The Cancer Alliance has helped clinicians across the sub-region to establish new ways of working with one initiative being the Liverpool Haematology Rapid Diagnosis Service, led by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in partnership with Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, set up to ensure quicker diagnosis of blood cancers.
Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England – North West said: “It’s great news that the NHS in the North West has referred more people for urgent cancer checks, which plays such an import part in more cancers being detected at earlier stages, when it is easier to treat and more likely to be successful.
“Across the North West we’re reaching into communities to ensure people are receive more diagnoses sooner, including NHS targeted lung health check trucks and community diagnostics centres.
“I would encourage anyone who had who has any signs or symptoms they’re worried about to come forward and get checked out at your GP practice, as soon as you can.
“Talking about cancer helps saves lives too, so if you’re seeing friends and loved ones who have health concerns, do encourage them to get checked too – the NHS wants to see people at the earliest opportunity.”