A recent BBC article has highlighted concerns raised by the Royal College of Radiologists about the postcode lottery associated with cancer treatment.

Delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment have been a recurring theme in news coverage over recent years. According to Cancer Research UK, the latest figures show that between April and June 2024 only 52.3% of people referred urgently with suspected cancer received a diagnosis within 28 days - well below the NHS target of 75%.

Advances in technology and new immunotherapy drugs are expanding treatment options for cancer patients and improving survival rates. While this progress is highly encouraging, access to some innovative treatments can still vary depending on where patients live.

Certain treatments, such as Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy, require individual cancer centres to go through a lengthy application process with NHS England to secure funding. Even when funding is approved, it is not always sufficient to cover the full cost of delivering the treatment, meaning not all hospitals are able to offer it. This is a clear example of a postcode lottery in treatment options, with some patients potentially missing out on cutting-edge technologies.

The Royal College of Radiologists has warned that current commissioning and funding structures are stifling innovation and creating unequal access to advanced cancer treatments. They have called on the Government to reduce unnecessary red tape and provide patients with faster, fairer access to these treatments.

This autumn, the Government is set to release a National Cancer Strategy, presenting a vital opportunity to implement measures that ensure quicker diagnoses and earlier treatment. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial that the practicalities of delivering new treatments keep pace with this progress.

If you have experienced a delay in cancer diagnosis or treatment and would like a free, no-obligation discussion about whether you might have a medical negligence claim, please contact our team on 0800 138 0458 .

References:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gz3py0dwvo  

https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2025/09/08/2024-25-in-review-annual-report-and-accounts-progress-outsmart-cancer/

https://www.rcr.ac.uk/news-policy/latest-updates/doctors-urge-government-to-cut-red-tape-blocking-some-patients-from-cutting-edge-cancer-treatments/