Why it matters: The surge in referrals indicates growing pressure on local cancer services, with the NHS now handling more potential cancer cases than ever before.
By the numbers:
60,335 urgent cancer referrals made in 2023-24 – up from 56,078 the previous year
4,317 resulted in cancer diagnosis – 1 in 14 cases
Skin cancer led local referrals with 16,003 cases
Breast cancer accounted for 8,688 referrals
Gastrointestinal cancer saw 11,850 referrals
Lung cancer had 1,781 referrals
The bigger picture: The local increase mirrors a national trend, with England recording 3 million urgent suspected cancer referrals in 2023-24, up 5% from the previous year.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive at Cancer Research UK, said the rise in referrals reflects an ageing and growing population. She called for "additional investment alongside reform to cancer services" to meet increasing demand.
What they're saying: Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England national clinical director for cancer, said: "NHS staff are working hard to see and treat more people with cancer than ever, but we know there is more to do to ensure people get a diagnosis or the all-clear sooner."
Bottom line: With record referral numbers for potential cancer, health leaders say more resources and reforms are needed to handle the growing demand for cancer services.
