Cancer scan delays ‘lead to rise in risk of death’

LONG delays for cancer diagnostic scans and treatments are risking the lives of patients, experts have warned.

And one specialist said the situation is so dire some areas are rationing or deferring help due to staff shortages.

A lack of radiologists, who interpret scans, is a large part of the delay as well as a shortage of kit.

In some areas health trusts are paying private companies to read images because health boards do not have enough of their own specialists to cope with patient numbers.

The claims follow research released last week that showed the UK had a 17 per cent shortfall of clinical oncologists, with shortages as high as 29 per cent in radiology – a key part of diagnosis.

The report from the Royal College of Radiologists predicts the shortfall will rise to 39 per cent by 2026.

Dr Jeanette Dickson, president of the Royal College of Radiologists, said: “There is a risk patients are dying unnecessarily because of staff shortages.

“It means patients are waiting longer for treatment, treatments are being deferred and in other cases patients who stand to gain the most from treatment are being prioritised.

“We know these delays are increasing the risk of death.the situation we are in is simply unsustainable.”

Professor Pat Price, an oncologist and co-founder of #Catchupwithcancer, added: “We are also hearing from so many sources that areas are now having to ration services and many other patients are not being treated within the 62-day target.”

In response, a Department of Health spokesperson said:“our plan to reduce cancer waiting times includes record investment and rolling out up to 160 community diagnostic centres.

“We are already seeing good progress with one million additional scans and the number of people on the longest waits halving in the last four months.”

‘Patients who stand to gain the most are being prioritised’