Cancer waiting times
You may have recently heard in the news about cancer waiting times being longer than usual. If you’re worried about how this might affect you, we’re here to help.
Cancer waiting times at record high
Updated on 19 June 2023
There have been recent news reports about cancer waiting times being at a record high. This might be impacting people who have been referred by their GP and are waiting to see a cancer specialist. It might also be affecting people who are waiting to start their cancer treatment.
Although many people in the UK are being diagnosed and treated for cancer without experiencing delays, we understand it is worrying news for those who are impacted. If you are experiencing a delay or you are worried about how this news might affect you. We are here to support you’.
Emotional support if you are worried about cancer waiting times
You may want to speak to somebody about how you are feeling. This could be a healthcare professional, a friend or somebody in your community. We provide services to support you.
Talk to one of our cancer nurses
If you are concerned about waiting times, referrals, changes or disruption to your treatment, or you have questions about cancer, you can contact our specially trained nurses. Call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am – 8pm).
You can also get support by:
Macmillan Buddies
Macmillan Buddies are trained volunteers who often have a cancer experience or know someone who has. They can support you with a weekly phone call or visit.
Online Community
The Macmillan Online Community is our cancer forum. It's free and open to everyone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can share what you're feeling with others with cancer and get support.
You can also ask one of our cancer experts a question.
Just diagnosed?
Sign up to receive trusted information by email, we will send you regular emails to support you through diagnosis and beyond.
Other emotional help
We have information about other ways people affected by cancer can get emotional help.
This includes things like:
Looking after your physical health and well-being
If you are waiting for treatment, it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle so you are fit for treatment.
A healthy, balanced diet and staying active can also help give back a sense of control if you’re waiting for a referral.
Here is information and services to help you take care of your physical health and well-being.
Eating well and keeping active
Eating well and keeping active will help you keep up your strength, increase your energy levels and improve your sense of well-being. We have advice to help you eat well and stay active.
Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists
Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists provide local, in-store support to people affected by cancer. They can help to answer your questions about medication, listen to any concerns, and guide you to other sources of information and support.
Support if you are concerned about the quality of your care
Everyone should get the very best cancer care and treatment, no matter what their situation.
Our Raising Your Voice toolkit is here to help everyone get equal cancer care as an NHS patient in England. It has advice for people who are experiencing changes, delays or cancellations. There is also guidance for people who feel they are not receiving the care they are entitled to.
The toolkit includes information such as:
- Understanding your cancer care rights
- Challenging conversations about your cancer care
- Cancer support groups.
Find out more about the Raising Your Voice toolkit.