The Faster Diagnosis Standard was one of the key targets set out in operational guidance on 30 January.

In its update, the Government said 80,000 patients had received a cancer diagnosis or al-clear between July 2024 and January 2025 compared with the previous year.

As a result, over three quarters (76.1%) of patients received their cancer diagnosis or all clear within 28 days from July 2024 to January 2025, up from 71.8% 12 months earlier.

The Faster Diagnosis Standard aims for 80% of patients to be given a cancer diagnosis or all-clear within 28-days by March 2026.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘We are on a mission to drive down waiting times and our Plan for Change is already getting patients seen and treated faster, with 80,000 more diagnosed or ruled out with cancer between July and January.

‘This is just the start and we will continue driving fundamental reform of the NHS to ensure it is delivering for all patients once again.'

Isabel Lawicka, director of policy and strategy, NHS Providers, said: ‘Cancer is a top priority for NHS trusts.

‘It's great to see that hard work by staff means that the NHS is seeing more people for urgent cancer checks and making good progress on diagnosing cancer sooner.

‘Despite soaring demand, especially during one of the toughest ever winters for the NHS, trusts are focused on improving patient care and cutting waiting times.

‘The NHS is seeing more people for suspected cancer checks and tests than before the pandemic but we know that still too many are waiting longer than they should. Trusts will keep doing everything they can to see patients as quickly as possible.'