How long is the wait time for cancer care?

Cancer is a global issue that unfortunately affects many, and with it comes the challenging wait times for diagnosis and treatment. In some countries, the wait times can be as long as several months, while in others they can be as short as a couple of weeks. The availability of medical professionals, the complexity of the diagnosis and the protocols in place all impact the length of wait times. It is understandable that the wait can be incredibly stressful and difficult to endure, causing those affected to feel helpless and lost in the system. We must strive to ensure that those facing cancer receive the treatment they need in a timely manner.

Average Waiting Times in Various Countries

According to a review of available data, the average waiting times for cancer care vary widely between countries. In the UK, the national target is to ensure all patients start treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral. In the US, the average wait time for a diagnosis is 30 days and the average wait time for treatment is 60 days. Canada has an average wait time of 10.6 weeks for treatment, while in Australia, the average wait time is 12 weeks. In France, the average wait time for treatment is 8.3 weeks and in Germany, it is 11.2 weeks. Lastly, Japan has the lowest average wait time for treatment at 7.8 weeks.

The National Health Service(NHS) in the UK has reported that the waiting list for chemotherapy varies across different types of cancer and regions. In September 2020, only 89.6% of cancer patients received treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat, which is lower than the expected 85% target. Sometimes, patients have to wait three and a half months after an urgent referral to begin treatment. The pandemic has caused pressure on diagnostic services, like radiology, which has further delayed treatment times. Moreover, the number of people waiting for operations such as hip and knee replacements and cataract removals has risen to 6.1 million, with nearly 24,000 people waiting for over two years. Staff shortages in the NHS cancer workforce are responsible for worsening fast access to cancer care.

Read : https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/mar/10/nhs-waiting-times-for-cancer-care-in-england-now-longest-on-record

A Positive Outlook

In the UK, the response to medical cannabis treatment in Thailand has been largely positive. A survey conducted by the British Medical Association in 2020 revealed that 84% of British doctors are in favor of legalizing medical cannabis, while more than half of those surveyed expressed support for introducing a similar system to Thailand in the UK.

This is a clear indication that the UK is open to the idea of medical cannabis, and that the public is likely to have a positive outlook on Thailand's decision to legalize cannabis. Ultimately, this is a step in the right direction for both countries and is sure to bring many benefits.