Scrapping cancer targets 'will speed up diagnosis

But changes won't solve health crisis, says expert

- SOPHIE HUSKISSON 

A NUMBER of cancer waiting time targets are to be ditched by the NHS to catch the condition earlier.

The existing targets, which have been routinely missed, would be reduced from nine to three.

The focus would be on patients getting a cancer diagnosis within 28 days rather than seeing a specialist within two weeks of a GP referral.

If diagnosed with cancer, patients should start treatment within 62 days from the date of referral, or within 31 days of diagnosis.

Cancer Research UK said cutting targets would set "clearer expectations for patients". But it stressed it will not address the main challenges facing cancer treatment and care.