Hi Leanda,

I'm not a nurse but I know that the NICE guidelines were changed last year & it's now called the Faster Diagnosis Standard. The timeframe for treatment starting is now EITHER within 62 days from the date the hospital received your urgent referral from your GP OR within 31 days of your consultant discussing the treatment plan with you. This link explains it fully Cancer waiting times | Cancer Research UK

Good luck,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hi Leanda,

I'm not a nurse but I know that the NICE guidelines were changed last year & it's now called the Faster Diagnosis Standard. The timeframe for treatment starting is now EITHER within 62 days from the date the hospital received your urgent referral from your GP OR within 31 days of your consultant discussing the treatment plan with you. This link explains it fully Cancer waiting times | Cancer Research UK

Good luck,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thank you

Unfortunately, the Faster Diagnosis Standard only applies in England

Only for referrals & diagnosis targets. Target for treatment is England, Scotland & Northern Ireland 

'In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland the current targets are:

no more than 2 months (62 days) wait between the date the hospital receives an urgent suspected cancer referral and the start of treatment

no more than 31 days wait between the meeting at which you and your doctor agree the treatment plan and the start of treatment'

Ah ok. I’ll have a wee look. Thank you x