How could at-home cancer treatment help reduce NHS waiting times?
A BBC News report revealed that NHS cancer treatment waiting times in England were the worst on record during 2023. The NHS’s battle to restore services after the COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented industrial action has been well-documented. Added to this, the number of people treated for cancer by the NHS has almost doubled since waiting list records began. With a need for alternative ideas to solve this crisis, we explore how at-home chemotherapy services could prove to be part of the solution.
What do the statistics tell us?
At-home cancer treatment has emerged as a significant strategy to reduce NHS waiting times, particularly for patients requiring chemotherapy. By allowing patients to receive their treatment at home, hospital congestion is reduced and space becomes available for other patients.
The NHS faces challenges with waiting times, and some cancer patients are experiencing delays in care due to staffing pressures. A recent statistic from Cancer Research UK has revealed that two out of three targets for NHS cancer treatment times were missed in November 2024. 69.4% of people in England received their diagnosis and started their first treatment within eight weeks of an urgent referral, however the target is 85% . Also, 91% of people started treatment within 31 days of doctors deciding on and confirming a treatment plan, while the target was 96%.
The impact of longer NHS cancer treatment waiting times
Longer cancer treatment waiting times in the NHS present a significant challenge, and it contributes to wide-ranging implications for patients and the health service overall. A key concern for patients is the delays such waiting times have on prognosis. Cancer is most treatable when detected and addressed early. Delays in diagnosis or treatment can allow the disease to progress, limiting the range of effective treatment options. For many, this delay can mean the difference between curative and palliative care.
Additionally, the psychological toll on patients waiting for cancer diagnosis or treatment is great. The time between receiving life-altering news and being able to start treatment can be one of huge stress and anxiety, which only grows the longer treatment is delayed. This strain also impacts the patient’s family and friends. Such prolonged psychological stress can weaken a patient’s overall wellbeing and may have an impact on how well they can cope with the treatment once it begins.
Longer wait times also put increased pressure on healthcare resources. Delays create backlogs which has a knock-on effect at all levels. Hospitals face overcrowding, with diagnostic services, treatment facilities and specialist staff struggling to keep up with demand. This congestion can ultimately compromise the quality of care patients receive.
There are also financial implications of delayed cancer treatment. Treating cancer at advanced stages is far more expensive than addressing it early. Prolonged hospital stays and the need for intensive care drive up costs for the NHS, further straining budgets. For patients and families, these delays may also lead to additional out-of-pocket expenses and unpaid time off work. This further worsens the economic burden of cancer care. Financial challenges can add to the psychological stress patients face, creating a multifaceted strain on their lives.
Inequalities in access to timely cancer care further highlight the need for urgent intervention. Socio-economic factors often play a role in making delays worse, with vulnerable groups experiencing longer waiting times and reduced access to diagnostics and treatment. Geographic differences, such as those faced by patients in rural or underserved areas, can deepen the inequality, widening the gap in health outcomes between different groups. Addressing these issues is essential for creating a fairer healthcare system that provides timely and effective care for all.
Reducing the amount of time between diagnosis and treatment is crucial. One way to reduce NHS cancer treatment waiting times is through at-home cancer treatment.
How could Sciensus at-home cancer treatment help reduce waiting times?
Around half the UK’s population will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime, and roughly a third of these people will receive chemotherapy to treat their cancer.
Chemotherapy is most commonly delivered in a hospital or clinic, but it is becoming increasingly common to receive treatment at home through specialist service providers, such as Sciensus. Every year we support around 4,000 cancer patients through dedicated services, including chemotherapy and biologics at home.
“We work with more than 300 consultant oncologists in the UK and treat over 100 different types of cancer in the comfort of patients’ own homes,” said Jonathan Asbridge, Chief Clinical Officer.
While approximately 60% of our patients have private medical insurance, Sciensus also partners with 47 NHS trusts and health boards, offering these services to a wider population. This collaboration helps relieve pressure on NHS facilities, allowing more patients to access timely cancer treatment. “By working closely with consultants nationwide, we’re committed to enhancing awareness and confidence in at-home chemotherapy, making it a viable option for more patients,” Asbridge adds.
At-home cancer treatment is not just a convenient option for patients; it’s also a solution that addresses some of the systemic challenges in healthcare. By taking cancer treatment out of the hospital and into the home, healthcare providers can help reduce the strain on already-overburdened NHS services.
How do patients feel about at-home cancer treatment?
Patient research commissioned by Sciensus last year showed that at-home chemotherapy is a well-supported concept by those who have experienced it. The patients interviewed described a positive experience and gave powerful insight into the benefits of having treatment in their home environment. Over and above faster access to treatment, patients also said that at-home treatment:
- Offered them the opportunity to continue their daily routines and maintain a sense of normality; the continuity can help patients feel less isolated and more connected to their pre-diagnosis life.
- Brought greater flexibility, such as choosing more convenient hours for treatments, receiving care in a way that aligns with their personal comfort, or having a more hands-on role in decision-making, all contribute to an experience that feels more manageable and aligned with their personal wants and needs.
- Gave them the ability to receive care in the safety and comfort of their own home offering a sense of control, independence and empowerment, which can help with resilience.
- Provided a more intimate setting of at-home cancer treatment that encourages more meaningful relationships between patients and their caregivers. Unlike in a busy hospital environment, where interactions may feel rushed, patients receiving care at home often have the opportunity to form strong, supportive bonds with their medical professionals.
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Many NHS hospitals now work with specialised home treatment providers like Sciensus to offer at-home care options. Once referred, treatment plans can be quickly tailored to meet the needs of patients with specialists ensuring the entire process is safe, effective and closely monitored.