Hundreds of cancer patients are facing delays in receiving lifesaving treatment.

NHS figures reveal almost one in four patients urgently referred to hospital by West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group doctors haven’t been seen within the suggested time.

Government targets suggest 85% of urgent referrals should start treatment within two months.

In 2017, 76.4% of West Kent CCG patients were seen within that timeline, falling from 78% in 2016.

In total, 1,226 cancer patients in west Kent were referred to hospital urgently, but 280 were not seen within 62 days.

Cancer Research UK’s Sara Bainbridge blames staffing issues.

She said: “We know local hospitals are making every effort to meet this target, and other cancer waiting times improved from January to February.

“Part of the reason why hospitals are struggling is because NHS diagnostic services are short staffed.”

She called on the government to ensure enough workers are able to deliver the vital tests.

In a joint statement, West Kent CCG and Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust said improving the length of waits was a priority.

It added: “A robust, joint action plan to improve performance and delivery against the national standard of 85% by February 2019.”

Patient experiences are being analysed and a new nursing post created to test suspected bowel and colon cancers. A new approach to follow-up appointments for breast cancer patients has freed up staff to spend more time on quicker treatment.

An NHS England spokesman said: “Cancer survival is now at its highest ever, and over the year the NHS treated more patients within the fast-track target than the year before.”​