About Time: the impact of cancer’s waiting problem

About one in three patients are now waiting over two months to start cancer treatment following an urgent GP referral with one in six waiting more than 90 days, according to new research for Zurich by Professor Hackshaw at the UCL Cancer Institute.

Two thirds of patients say waiting for treatment is the hardest part of having cancer, and half say their anxiety spiked while stuck in this period of limbo. The ‘About Time’ campaign sets out to shine a light on the additional challenges waiting times create for cancer patients.

• Report on cancer services in the NHS (608.9 KB/PDF)

Monica McGhee

35-year-old Scottish soprano Monica McGhee discovered a lump in her throat while warming up for a concert aged just 28.

“There is no easy way of dealing with the crushing news you might have cancer, especially when it threatens one of your reasons for living. As an opera singer, I am fortunate to still have a career after discovering a tumour in my throat and will be eternally grateful for the swift surgery and effective treatment that put me on the road to recovery. Tragically, that isn’t the experience of 77,000 people in the UK every year, which is why I felt compelled to lend my voice to anyone who feels unheard, and unseen, at such a difficult time.”

55-year-old English tenor Toby Spence is also a survivor of thyroid cancer, having undergone ground-breaking surgery to remove his glands and several lymph nodes around his neck in 2012. Approaching the peak of his international career, Toby had no time to savour his success after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer the night after a standing ovation.

“I went into total shock. About three months previously, I’d noticed that I was having trouble clearing my throat, and that when I sang there was a sensation like a slowly tightening vice. I went to the doctor, who signed me up for some routine tests. Three months later, on the NHS, I got a diagnosis that I hadn’t been expecting.”

Pianist Lee Michael Walton received his cancer diagnosis in 2006, when a tumour known as chondrosarcoma was found in the bone of his face. He had several complex – and at the time revolutionary – operations on his mouth and face, leaving him unable to speak. Determined to recover, Lee underwent extensive speech therapy and vocal training and has since been able to write, record and release original music inspired by his cancer journey.

“Waiting seven months for my cancer treatment was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. Given the unusual location of my tumour, there were a lot of complexities to consider before settling on the best treatment plan for me,”

Lee said: “Ultimately, it was decided I would undergo facial reconstruction surgery, which involved using bone and skin from my leg – a procedure that took 15 surgeons 21 hours, and the highest level of planning and precision. While the wait was difficult, I’ve come to understand it was necessary to ensure the best possible outcome after the surgery.”