NHS England’s National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2023 illuminates the patient experiences of those diagnosed with and treated for cancer under the NHS.
 
In 2023, 77.6% of patients felt the length of time waiting for diagnostic test results was about right, down from 81.9% in 2021 and leaving just over a fifth (22.4%) feeling that waiting times excessive.
 
Similarly, in 2021, 80.9% of patients had confidence and trust in all of the team looking after them during their stay in hospital, this percentage has now fallen to 77.3%.
 
In fact, in 2023, just seven-in-10 (72.7%) patients were always able to get help from ward staff when needed. The percentage has dropped by 3.5% since 2021 levels (76.2%).
 
Brett Hill, Head of Health & Protection at leading independent consultancy Broadstone, said: “It’s disappointing to see that across several key metrics, the patient experience reported by those diagnosed and treated for cancer in 2023 has actually deteriorated compared to those diagnosed and treated in 2021 (when we were still in the grip of the pandemic).  
 
“Today’s data is yet another reminder of the alarming state of NHS services, as even the most serious conditions like cancer are being underserved by health departments across the country. With cancer, early detection and continual, dedicated support is crucial for effective treatment, improving treatment outcomes, and mitigating the impact on the patient’s family and livelihood.
 
“Since the pandemic, the difficulties many face in accessing primary care services like GP support and NHS screening programmes, have meant that many with potentially cancerous symptoms have been unable to receive a fast diagnosis and so have ultimately required more serious and more complex treatment.
 
“Not only has this impacted the quality of life and treatment outcomes for patients, it has also increased treatment costs for the NHS and impacted the wider economy, as affected employees or off work for much longer and face a more difficult return to work when they eventually complete their treatment.
 
“With the government facing threats of GP strikes as they attempt to revive the NHS, the business case for investing in health screening programmes and other forms of primary care support like digital or on-site GP support is growing increasingly strong.
 
“The benefits these increasingly popular services can provide in terms of prevent and early detection can act as a life-saving buffer against more grave conditions like cancer or cardio-vascular issues, keeping staff happy, healthy and more productive in the long-run and protecting business growth.”
 
Latest results - National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (ncpes.co.uk)