The call by cancer doctors comes as the government prepares to publish its long-awaited cancer strategy for England, now expected later this autumn.
The charity Cancer Research UK (CRUK) said it should include a new commitment to diagnose cancers earlier after a new report found that only half of people diagnosed with cancer after an urgent referral are getting the news within the target 28 days.
For some cancers, such as bone, bladder, kidney and head and neck, only around a third of people receive a diagnosis within the target time.
Between 2021 and 2024, the situation for people being diagnosed with cancer has been getting worse, the charity says.
But, in contrast, those who don’t have cancer after an urgent referral – which is the large majority of people – are informed more quickly, with 75% told the good news within the target time.
“It’s promising that more people are having cancer ruled out on time, helping to put their minds at ease,” says Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell.
“However it’s unacceptable that only half of people who have cancer are being diagnosed within the target timeframe.”
Follow-up tests to confirm the presence of cancer, particularly complex ones, and what type it is can cause delays in diagnosis. This can lead to delays in starting treatment too.
Jon Shelton, head of cancer intelligence at CRUK, says this process “is taking too long” and tests need to be carried out “as quickly as possible”.