In response to simpler new NHS cancer targets designed to speed up diagnosis, Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, said:

"Cancer is a top priority. NHS trust leaders know the risks to patients who have to wait.

"The NHS is seeing more people for suspected cancer than before the pandemic but too many are waiting longer to start treatment after diagnosis.

"Trusts do everything they can to see patients as quickly as possible but need more staff and resources for stretched services. Changes to cancer standards have been in train since before the pandemic and trusts have already put in place the 28-day faster diagnosis standard which should see more patients having cancer confirmed or given the all-clear more quickly.

"Trusts also continue to prioritise patients starting cancer treatment within 62 days."