Star comment: Cancer targets change makes sense
There may be some scepticism around the plan to scrap the target for patients to see a specialist within two weeks if they are suspected of having cancer.
The ongoing difficulties around hitting waiting list targets are widely publicised and many view such targets with suspicion.
There is sound logic behind such targets, however, which make sure that hospitals are accountable and act in a manner that is transparent. The methodology might not be perfect, but it is better to have some metrics than none.
Indeed, if we look beyond the scepticism, the proposals put forward by NHS England do make sense. It is important to catch cancer in the early stages and doing so improves the prospects of recovery considerably.
If charities such as Cancer Research UK believe the new targets could lead to improvements in diagnosis then we should listen. Others are less sure and have expressed concern about having too many targets - with the suggestion that what is needed is more investment rather than more targets.
