NHS England cancer diagnoses at record high with 1,000 people diagnosed every day
Summary
More than 373,000 people in England were diagnosed with cancer in 2024, a record high and an average of 1,021 diagnoses a day. A higher share of cancers were found at an early stage than in 2023, but NHS England missed its targets for both 28-day diagnosis and 62-day treatment.Key Facts
- England recorded more than 373,000 cancer diagnoses in 2024, compared with an average of 972 diagnoses per day in 2023.
- Prostate, breast, lung and bowel cancers made up half of new diagnoses.
- The share of first cancers diagnosed at stages 1 or 2 rose to 56.7% in 2024, from 55.8% in 2023.
- In August, 78.6% of patients urgently referred for suspected cancer received a diagnosis or had cancer ruled out within 28 days; the target was 80%.
- In August, 71.9% of eligible patients began treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or consultant upgrade; the target was 85%.
- Experts cited an ageing population and obesity as factors linked to rising diagnoses, and called for improved early detection and timely treatment.
- Macmillan Cancer Support said cancer risks, diagnosis times and survival chances can vary by a person's circumstances and where they live.
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