England skin and breast cancer patients have worst waiting time to see specialist

Almost 10,000 patients referred by a GP to a cancer specialist had to wait double NHS recommended 14-day waiting time

Patients with suspected skin and breast cancer have experienced the largest increase in waiting times of everyone urgently referred to a cancer specialist, with one in 20 patients now facing the longest waits, analysis of NHS England data shows.

Almost 10,000 patients referred by a GP to a cancer specialist had to wait for more 28 days - double the supposed maximum 14-day waiting time - in July. Three-quarters of them were suspected of having skin, breast or lower gastrointestinal cancer, a Guardian analysis has revealed.