Cancer diagnoses in England have climbed to an all-time high, with more than 1,000 people receiving a cancer diagnosis every day, according to newly released figures from the National Health Service (NHS).
The latest NHS cancer registration statistics show that **373,574 new cancer cases were recorded in England in 2024**, representing an average of 1,021 diagnoses daily. This marks an increase of 11,833 cases compared with 2023, when an average of 972 people were diagnosed each day.
Prostate cancer remained the most commonly diagnosed cancer, with 61,115 cases recorded in 2024, representing a 4.1 per cent increase from the previous year.
Breast, lung and bowel cancers were also among the leading types of cancer recorded, with the four major cancer types accounting for approximately half of all new diagnoses.
Despite the increase in detection, health experts and cancer charities have raised concerns about delays in diagnosis and access to treatment across the NHS.
The figures showed that 56.7 per cent of new cancer cases were diagnosed at an early stage (stage one or two) in 2024, slightly higher than the 55.8 per cent recorded in 2023.
However, the NHS continues to fall short of its cancer treatment targets. Only 71.9 per cent of patients began treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral in July 2026, below the 85 per cent target.
Cancer experts have called for improved screening programmes, more diagnostic facilities and additional healthcare workers to help ensure patients receive timely diagnosis and treatment.
The NHS has also encouraged people to attend cancer screening appointments when invited and seek medical attention promptly if they notice unusual symptoms or changes in their health.
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