A large US study has found that waiting times for surgery rose between 2012 and 2023 for six common, operable cancers, despite broader advances in cancer treatment. This matters because prompt surgery is a recognised measure of healthcare quality, while delays can worsen survival prospects and increase anxiety and distress for patients.

The analysis covered more than 2.7 million people with non-metastatic stage I–III breast, colon, lung, pancreatic, gastric or oesophageal cancer. Average waits increased from 34 to 45 days for breast cancer, 20 to 31 for colon cancer and 41 to 53 for lung cancer, with rises also recorded for the other three cancers; waits of at least 30 and 60 days became more common. Researchers link the trend partly to treatment being concentrated in high-volume specialist centres, and found longer waits were more likely for uninsured or Medicaid patients, Black patients, lower-income patients and those travelling further.