NHS England changes cancer standards to speed up diagnosis and treatment for bowel cancer

Thousands of people referred for urgent bowel cancer checks every month are set to be diagnosed and treated sooner, as NHS England changes its cancer standards. It means people should have a bowel cancer diagnosis or have the disease ruled out within 28 days of being urgently referred.

The changes, which will come into effect in England from October 2023, hope to ensure patients are being seen and treated as quickly as possible.

Developed by clinical experts and supported by leading cancer charities, including Bowel Cancer UK, the changes include three cancer standards:

• the Faster Diagnosis Standard, means patients who are urgently referred for suspected cancer from their GP, screening programme or other route should be diagnosed or have cancer ruled out within 28 days
• the 62-day standard means that patients diagnosed with cancer should receive their first treatment within 62 days from urgent referral
• the 31-day standard means patients who have a cancer diagnosis, and who have had a decision made on their first or subsequent treatment, should then start that treatment within 31 days

The Faster Diagnosis Standard, which has been in place since April 2021, will replace the two-week wait target. The old target was for all patients to see a specialist within two weeks of an urgent referral for cancer tests by a GP. However, this set no expectation of when patients should receive test results or have a confirmed diagnosis.

The new standards are expected to shine a spotlight on cancer pathways and help NHS policymakers and the government to identify and better understand the areas that require more support or investment.

Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive for Bowel Cancer UK, says: “It’s good news for bowel cancer services that NHS England will now use the Faster Diagnosis Standard, ensuring the way we monitor and measure cancer pathways are fit for the future. It means that within 28 days of being referred by their GP for further investigations, patients should have a bowel cancer diagnosis or have bowel cancer ruled out.

 “This change will also help NHS policymakers and the government to identify parts of the country that may need extra support and funding to improve waiting times and speed up diagnosis.”

• Read our blog to find out what these changes meanfor bowel cancer services in England
• Find out about how we're campaigning to improve early diagnosis
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