Cancer diagnoses in England hit a record 1,000+ a day, but targets are missed

More than 1,000 people in England are now diagnosed with cancer every day. That is a record, according to the latest NHS figures. Experts say the numbers point to progress in finding cancer, but also to real strain on the system.

What happened?

More than 373,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in England in 2024, the highest number ever recorded. NHS England (the public health service) diagnosed an average of 1,021 people a day, up from 972 a day in 2023.

Prostate, breast, lung and bowel cancers made up half of all new diagnoses.

There was some encouraging news too. In 2024, 56.7% of first new cancers were found at stage 1 or 2, compared with 55.8% in 2023. Earlier stages generally mean more treatment options.

Prof Peter Johnson, the NHS national clinical director for cancer, said the health service was "moving in the right direction". He credited the hard work of NHS staff.

Where is the NHS still falling short?

The targets for speed are another story. In August, 78.6% of patients urgently referred for suspected cancer were diagnosed, or told they did not have cancer, within 28 days. The target is 80%.

Treatment is further behind. Just 71.9% of patients started treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or consultant upgrade. The target is 85%.

Dr Ian Walker of Cancer Research UK (a major cancer charity) said too many people are still being caught at a late stage. Dr Hilary Williams of the Royal College of Physicians pointed to an ageing population and obesity as factors behind rising cases. She also called for the expansion of targeted lung cancer screening.

Steven McIntosh of Macmillan Cancer Support said the headline figures hide health inequalities. Who you are and where you live can still affect your risk, how fast you are diagnosed and your chances of survival, he said.

What's next?

In February 2026, the UK government published its national cancer plan for England. It promised better early diagnosis, shorter waiting times and wider access to treatment.

Cancer Research UK says the government now needs to keep up the pressure. It wants clear accountability and a guarantee that the NHS gets the specialist staff and equipment it needs.

Breast Cancer Now urged people to get anything new or unusual checked by a GP (family doctor) quickly. It also urged eligible women to attend screening when invited. One in seven women in the UK is diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, the charity said.