The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) figures also forecast a fifth (19%) of all cancer doctors will retire within five years.

Dr Stephen Harden, president of the RCR, said: ‘The NHS must ensure that every region has enough doctors specialising in common cancers so that patients everywhere can access timely, high-quality treatment. The forthcoming Cancer Plan is an opportunity to get this right.'

Overstretch and burnout is driving more cancer doctors to leave the profession. Cancer doctors are now leaving the workforce at an average age of 54, down from 59 a year ago. Seven in 10 cancer centre leaders are concerned that workforce shortages are affecting patient safety.  

As of 2024, 19% of radiologists are set to retire within five years, but this rises to 23% for radiologists who specialise in breast tumours and 25% for specialists in cancer imaging.  

The warning came as MPs this week debated the impact of NHS workforce levels on cancer patients. To prevent breast cancer care becoming a postcode lottery, the RCR is calling on the Government to train up more cancer doctors and improve working conditions to retain the existing workforce.

The RCR also calls for the forthcoming National Cancer Plan for England to ensure that NHS workforce planning maintains tumour site specialty expertise for common cancers.