by
Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | June 02, 2025
Chronic staffing shortages in the U.K.’s cancer care services are causing dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment, according to new data released by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR).
Two reports, based on comprehensive surveys of NHS radiology and cancer center leaders, highlight worsening gaps between rising patient demand and an overstretched workforce. Every surveyed radiology leader reported delays to diagnostic scans due to insufficient staff in 2024. Meanwhile, nine in ten cancer center heads acknowledged treatment delays, with 70% citing concerns about patient safety.
“Safe delivery of cancer treatment is becoming increasingly impossible,” one consultant clinical oncologist said in the report. Another radiologist added, “Patients are waiting longer than they should ... and we have had several delayed cancer diagnoses as a result.”
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The data show that demand for CT and MR imaging rose by 8% in 2024, while the radiology workforce grew by just 4.7%. Unless addressed, the existing 29% shortfall of radiologists and 15% shortfall of oncologists is projected to rise to 39% and 19% by 2029, respectively.
Retention is also a growing concern. The median age of clinical radiologists leaving the NHS fell to 50 in 2024, down from 55 in 2020. Two-fifths of those departing were under 45. A similar trend was noted in oncology.
These shortages are driving up temporary staffing costs. In 2024, the NHS spent £325 million on stopgap measures in radiology, with outsourcing costs rising by nearly 25% over the past year.
The London-based RCR is calling on the government to fund long-term workforce expansion. Economic modeling commissioned by the organization suggests that training an additional 180 radiologists per year could eliminate three-quarters of the current shortfall and save £460 million over a decade.
“Any credible plan to cut waiting lists relies on having the headcount to meet the demand we face today, let alone tomorrow,” said RCR president Dr. Katharine Halliday. “The government must train up more radiologists and oncologists to defuse this ticking time bomb.”
