Doctors doubt whether cancer targets can be met

Cancer specialists this week expressed doubts about whether the NHS would be able to achieve the targets that the government has set for it under its new national cancer plan.

The plan, which was announced by Health Secretary Alan Milburn last week, includes new targets for how quickly treatment should begin after patients see a consultant, and on how soon treatment should begin after referral by a GP (see box).

The government believes that the targets can be met because it is proposing the creation of almost 1000 new cancer consultant posts by 2006. Posts will be increased in the specialties …