Why Britain is so bad at diagnosing cancer

Delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment have led to poor outcomes in Britain, with death rates returning to levels of 20 years ago. The government has reduced cancer targets in response.

August 31, 2023 . 9:19 PM

1 min read

Delays in cancer diagnosis were a problem in Britain even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Screenings and routine diagnostic tests were initially suspended during lockdowns.
Death rates in cancers detected by early screening have returned to levels of 20 years ago.
Delays in treatment and late diagnosis are major factors in Britain's poor cancer outcomes.
The government has reduced the number of cancer targets in response to missed targets.