Under the government’s 62-day cancer standard, patients referred with suspected cancer should begin their first definitive treatment within 62 days.
Over the past year, we have made substantial progress through our dedicated cancer recovery programme. Launched in August 2025, the programme aims to reduce waiting times for patients with suspected lung cancer across the East of England.
In January 2025, 17.5% of our patients began treatment within 62 days of a referral. By January 2026, this had improved to 83.8%, meaning the hospital now ranks as one of the best performing services in the country.
In addition, 100% of our patients undergo a cancer resection (a surgical procedure to remove a tumour) within 31 days of a cancer diagnosis - exceeding the national requirement of 96%.
Our cancer recovery programme mirrors the approach that has helped us reduce our referral-to-treatment (RTT) waiting times*. It combines daily patient tracking list meetings, improved access to diagnostics and strengthened staffing models.
Emma Wassell, Lead Nurse for Thoracic Oncology and Co-lead of the Oncology Service, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made in improving our cancer performance. This reflects a sustained, organisation-wide commitment to reducing pathway delays, strengthening diagnostics and ensuring patients are seen and treated as quickly as possible.
“Guided by compassion, we recognise the human impact behind every target. Through strong multidisciplinary collaboration and data-driven performance management, we continue to pursue excellence in delivering timely, high-quality cancer care.
“The national target is 85% so we know there is still work to do and even more improvements to make, but this progress demonstrates what can be achieved when teams work together with a shared commitment to our patients.”
The impact of this work is already being felt by patients.
Carol, 74, from Chatteris in Cambridgeshire, was diagnosed with lung cancer after mentioning a persistent cough during a GP consultation for an unrelated issue.
Following a series of tests at Doddington Hospital and Hinchingbrooke Hospital, she was referred to Royal Papworth shortly before Christmas and underwent surgery in early February 2026.
Carol
Carol said: “The whole experience has been fabulous, and I've not been waiting too long at all for surgery. There’s nothing worse than waiting, especially if you’re very apprehensive.
“I had a pre-operative appointment the week before my surgery, and everything was done in two and a half hours. It all seemed so streamlined and everyone has been very friendly and helpful. If you ask somebody something and they don’t know the answer, they’ll find out for you.”
Speaking just a day after surgery, Carol added: “It’s been really good. I’m surprised at how well it’s gone. I know it’s early days, but I always try to keep positive.”
*In December, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was one of eight hospital trusts highlighted by NHS England and the government for helping patients in the East of England and nationally access treatment more quickly. Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust recognised nationally for cutting waiting times for patients :: Royal Papworth Hospital