End scandal of late cancer diagnoses: The Yorkshire Post says

Thousands of patients are facing long waits to be diagnosed with cancer. Picture: PA

figures showing that at least 115,000 cancer sufferers in one year missed out on early diagnosis - largely due to staffing pressures - are shocking; the impact on affected patients and their loved ones terrible and profound.

Cancer Research UK says that an increase in referrals for suspected cancer have not been matched by any plan from Government to increase NHS staffing numbers, leading to a situation in which doctors and nurses are working tirelessly to diagnose and treat patients but are unable to reduce the backlog because of a “desperate shortage” of suitably qualified staff.

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This is quite simply a matter of life and death.

With cancer treatment, prompt diagnosis of the condition at an early stage is often vital in ensuring patients have the best chance of survival.

GP appointment waiting times now more than a fortnight

The current situation undoubtedly means that many people whose condition could have been treatable end up dying, often at a tragically-early age and leaving an unfillable gap in the lives of their families and friends.

It is positive that the NHS is committed to improving cancer care and outcomes and that the Government has set a target of having three in four cancer patients diagnosed at an early stage by 2028.

But such ambitions must be backed up with concrete action and an investment in education, training and equipment.

Survival rates for cancer may be at a record high in this country but a more effective and better-resourced system could further improve the figure - helping to reduce the numbers of families left bereaved by an awful disease.