According to stats released by NHS England, thousands more people started cancer treatment over the last year compared to before the pandemic.

From November 2021 to October 2022, more than 320,000 people received treatment for cancer - the highest year on record.

2.8 million people received NHS cancer checks, compared to 2.35 million in 2018/19.

Statistics also revealed that that 100,000 people were diagnosed with cancer at stages one or two. This is the highest proportion on record.

Dame Cally Palmer, National Cancer Director for NHS England, said: “NHS staff have been working incredibly hard over the past year to recover from the pandemic and it’s thanks to our campaigning efforts and early diagnosis drives, alongside the courage of people like Dame Deborah James encouraging people to come forward, that we’ve seen and treated record numbers of people.

“This is important progress – we know lives are saved when cancers are caught early and when more people are seen for tests and checks – and as we head into the New Year, the NHS will not take its foot off the pedal when it comes to ensuring people are seen and treated as early as possible.

“I would urge everyone to keep talking to your friends and loved ones to raise awareness, and come forward for checks if you have potential symptoms and concerns – the NHS is here for you.”