Newly released data has shown that more people than ever before are being tested for cancer.

Almost 3 million checks were carried out over the last 12 months.

2,980,258 people were seen for urgent cancer checks between Nov 2022 and Oct 2023 - up by 147,960 on the same period last year, and up over a quarter (622,562) on the same period before the pandemic (2,357,696).

The data also shows that there has been a 133% increase in the number of people getting checked for cancer, over the last decade – with 1,275,231 urgent cancer referrals between Nov 2012 to Oct 2013.

The data has revealed 58 per cent of cancers were diagnosed at stage one or two between September 2022 and August 2023 – around 2.1 percentage points above the level before the pandemic.

The increase is being partly attributed to the NHS lung health check programme which has now diagnosed almost 3,000 people with lung cancer.

Dame Cally Palmer, national cancer director for NHS England, said: “More people than ever before have received potentially lifesaving checks for cancer over the last year, which is a testament to the hard work of NHS staff who have delivered this level of care, despite an extremely challenging year and unprecedented industrial action.

“We know there is more to do, but we have been throwing everything we have at catching cancers earlier because we know it’s the best way to save lives – and we are seeing progress with more people than ever before being diagnosed at stage one and two.

“With teams taking tests and checks closer to people who need them, and new treatments being made available all the time, we will continue to do all we can to get people seen and treated for cancer as early as possible.”

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England national clinical director for cancer, said: “Every year we are seeing extraordinary advances in treatment and new technologies coming through for patients, and I know this year will be no different.

“Cancer detected at an early stage gives people a much better chance of successful treatment, which is why the NHS has kept such a focus on early diagnosis and continues to find innovative ways to reach and test people in the community.

“Talking about cancer helps save lives too, so if you’re seeing friends and loved ones this new year, please check in with them and have a conversation, and if anyone is worried they might have signs or symptoms of cancer, please encourage them to get checked – the NHS is here for people and wants to see them at the earliest opportunity.”