Introduction

Referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for urgent suspected cancer referrals have been published by demographic groups for a range of geographies within England, for all cancers and by referral type or cancer group. These results provide insights, for all cancer groups, into referral activities and their contribution to diagnostic pathways. They should improve understanding of cancer diagnostic pathways and inform resource or intervention planning.


Materials and methods

For each cancer site, this document provides a descriptive summary comparing referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates by demographic groups, using data for England and the latest available year, April 2022 to March 2023.

For some combinations of site and demographic group, results are based on 3-year rolling averages, in these cases the referral rates, conversion and detection rates are not presented in the descriptive summary. In particular, detection rates by ethnicity group are not presented for any site; for sarcoma, brain or central nervous system (CNS) cancers, childhood cancers, and other cancers, conversion and detection rates are not presented in the descriptive summary.

Differences in referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates by site (of referral or diagnosed tumour) or demographic group may reflect different symptom profiles, diagnostic complexity and pathways.

Using Cancer Waiting Times (CWT) data, provided by NHS England, urgent suspected cancer referrals, conversion rate and detection rate are defined as follows:

  • Urgent suspected cancer referrals (commonly, two-week wait referrals) are used to refer patients with possible cancer symptoms to secondary care for investigation and possible diagnosis.
  • Crude referral rate (Number per 100,000 population) is the number of urgent suspected cancer referrals multiplied by 100,000 divided by the population.
  • Conversion rate is the percentage of urgent suspected cancer referrals which result in a diagnosis of cancer.
  • Detection rate is the percentage of cases recorded in the CWT data as receiving a first treatment for cancer which resulted from an urgent suspected cancer referral.

The majority of patients urgently referred for suspected cancer are not diagnosed with cancer, meaning that the number of urgent referrals for suspected cancer exceeds the number of cases recorded in the CWT data as receiving a first treatment for cancer. Therefore, conversion rates, based on the number of urgent referrals for suspected cancers, usually relate to a much larger number of patients than detection rates, which are based on the number of cases recorded in the CWT data as receiving a first treatment for cancer. Consequently, the range and variation in conversion rates tends to be smaller than for detection rate, as there is less variation due to random chance when higher numbers of events are observed.


Acknowledgements

This work uses data that has been provided by patients and collected by the NHS as part of their care and support. It is sourced from NHS England and collated, maintained and quality assured by the National Disease Registration Service, which is part of NHS England.


Results

All cancers

Gender

For England, the crude urgent referral rate for all suspected cancers varies by gender, ranging from 6,211 per 100,000 for females compared to 3,885 per 100,000 for males. The conversion rate of urgent referrals for all suspected cancers differs by gender, ranging from 4.2% for females compared to 9.0% for males. The detection rate for all cancers varies by gender 51.6% for females compared to 59.0% for males (Figure 1A).

Figure 1A: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for all cancers by gender, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (10 year)

For England, the crude urgent referral rate for all suspected cancers varies by broad age groups, increasing from 2,477 per 100,000 for people aged under 50 to 12,016 per 100,000 for 70 to 79 year olds. The conversion rate of urgent referrals for all suspected cancers increases with broad age group, ranging from 1.9% for people aged under 50 to 10.9% for those aged 80 and over. The detection rate for all cancers varies by broad age groups, ranging from 52.0% for 50 to 59 year olds to 58.5% for those aged 80 and over (Figure 1B).

Figure 1B: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for all cancers by broad age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (5 year)

For England, the crude urgent referral rate for all suspected cancers varies by five-year age groups, increasing from 53 per 100,000 for 0 to 4 year olds to 14,795 per 100,000 for 85 to 89 year olds. The conversion rate of urgent referrals for all suspected cancers increases with five-year age group, ranging from 0.1% for 5 to 9 year olds to 13.4% for those aged 90 and over. The detection rate for all cancers remains consistent by broad age group, ranging from 33.1% for people aged under 30 to 62.4% for 45 to 49 year olds (Figure 1C).

Figure 1C: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for all cancers by five year age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent referral rate for all suspected cancers varies by deprivation, decreasing from 5,576 per 100,000 for the least deprived quintile to 4,336 per 100,000 for the most deprived quintile. The conversion rate of urgent referrals for all suspected cancers decreases with deprivation, ranging from 6.6% for the least deprived quintile to 5.1% for the most deprived quintile. The detection rate for all cancers varies by deprivation, decreasing from 57.5% for the those aged 80 and over to 51.4% for the most deprived quintile (Figure 1D).

Figure 1D: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for all cancers by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Ethnicity

For England, the crude urgent referral rate for all suspected cancers varies by ethnicity, ranging from 2,288 per 100,000 for the Mixed and Other ethnic group to 5,193 per 100,000 for the White ethnic group. The conversion rate of urgent referrals for all suspected cancers varies by ethnicity, ranging from 3.1 per 100,000 for the Asian ethnic group to 6.3 per 100,000 for the White ethnic group (Figure 1E).

Figure 1E: Crude referral rates and conversion rates for all cancers by ethnicity, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Brain and CNS

Gender

For England, the crude urgent suspected brain and CNS cancer referral rate varies by gender, ranging from 30 per 100,000 for females compared to 19 per 100,000 for males (Figure 2A).

Figure 2A: Crude referral rates for brain or CNS tumours by gender, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (10 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected brain and CNS cancer referral rate varies by age, ranging from 11 per 100,000 for those aged 80 and over to 34 per 100,000 for 70 to 79 year olds (Figure 2B)

Figure 2B: Crude referral rates for brain or CNS tumours by broad age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent suspected brain and CNS cancer referral rate varies by deprivation, ranging from 23 per 100,000 for the third quintile to 27 per 100,000 for the second quintile (Figure 2C)

Figure 2C: Crude referral rates for brain or CNS tumours by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Ethnicity

For England, the crude urgent suspected brain and CNS cancer referral rate varies by ethnicity, ranging from 24 per 100,000 for the White ethnic group to 33 per 100,000 for the Black ethnic group (Figure 2D)

Figure 2D: Crude referral rates for brain or CNS tumours by ethnicity, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Breast cancers

Gender

For England, the crude urgent suspected breast cancer referral rate varies by gender, ranging from 1,887 per 100,000 for females compared to 115 per 100,000 for males. The conversion rate of urgent suspected breast cancer referrals ranging from 1.0% for females compared to 1.0% for males. The detection rate for breast cancer varies for different genders, changing from 53.8% for females compared to 82.1% for males (Figure 3A).

Figure 3A: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for breast cancers by gender, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (10 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected breast cancer referral rate varies by age, ranging from 316 per 100,000 for those aged 80 and over to 1,282 per 100,000 for people aged under 50. The conversion rate of urgent suspected breast cancer referrals increases with age, ranging from 2.2% for people aged under 50 to 25.2% for those aged 80 and over. The detection rate for breast cancer varies for different ages, changing from 30.7% for 60 to 69 year olds to 88.2% for people aged under 50 (Figure 3B).

Figure 3B: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for breast cancers by broad age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (5 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected breast cancer referral rate varies by five-year age groups, increasing from 171 per 100,000 for 15 to 19 year olds to 1,686 per 100,000 for 45 to 49 year olds. The conversion rate of urgent suspected breast cancer referrals increases with five-year age group, ranging from 0.0% for 15 to 19 year olds to 37.9% for those aged 90 and over. The detection rate for breast cancer is higher for the youngest and oldest age groups, ranging from 28.7% for 65 to 69 year olds to 89.8% for 35 to 39 year olds (Figure 3C).

Figure 3C: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for breast cancers by five year age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent suspected breast cancer referral rate varies by deprivation, ranging from 1,001 per 100,000 for the most deprived quintile to 1,061 per 100,000 for the least deprived quintile. The conversion rate of urgent suspected breast cancer referrals decreases with deprivation, dropping from 6.0% for the least deprived quintile to 4.6% for the most deprived quintile. The detection rate for breast cancer varies for different deprivation, increasing from 52.0% for the least deprived quintile to 58.0% for the most deprived quintile (Figure 3D).

Figure 3D: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for breast cancers by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Ethnicity

For England, the crude urgent suspected breast cancer referral rate varies by ethnicity, ranging from 859 per 100,000 for the Asian ethnic group to 1,206 per 100,000 for the Black ethnic group. The conversion rate of urgent suspected breast cancer referrals increases with age, ranging from 3.1 per 100,000 for the Mixed and Other ethnic group to 5.6 per 100,000 for the White ethnic group (Figure 3E).

Figure 3E: Crude referral rates and conversion rates for breast cancers by ethnicity, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Breast symptoms

Gender

For England, the crude urgent breast symptom referral rate varies by gender, ranging from 487 per 100,000 for females compared to 35 per 100,000 for males. The conversion rate of urgent breast symptom referrals ranges from 1.2% for females compared to 0.3% for males (Figure 4A).

Figure 4A: Crude referral rates and conversion rates for breast symptoms by gender, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (10 year)

For England, the crude urgent breast symptom referral rate varies by age, decreasing from 403 per 100,000 for people aged under 50 to 45 per 100,000 for those aged 80 and over. The conversion rate of urgent breast symptom referrals increases with age, ranging from 0.5% for people aged under 50 to those aged 80 and over% for those aged 80 and over (Figure 4B).

Figure 4B: Crude referral rates and conversion rates for breast symptoms by broad age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (5 year)

For England, the crude urgent breast symptom referral rate varies by five-year age groups, increasing from 54 per 100,000 for those aged 90 and over to 494 per 100,000 for 25 to 29 year olds. The conversion rate of urgent breast symptom referrals increases with five-year age group, ranging from 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0% for 0 to 4 year olds, 10 to 14 year olds, 15 to 19 year olds, 5 to 9 year olds to 9.4% for those aged 80 and over (Figure 4C).

Figure 4C: Crude referral rates and conversion rates for breast symptoms by five year age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent breast symptom referral rate varies by deprivation, ranging from 257 per 100,000 for the least deprived quintile to 274 per 100,000 for the second quintile. The conversion rate of urgent breast symptom referrals decreases with deprivation, dropping from 1.3% for the fourth quintile to 1.0% for the second quintile (Figure 4D).

Figure 4D: Crude referral rates and conversion rates for breast symptoms by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Ethnicity

For England, the crude urgent breast symptom referral rate varies by ethnicity, ranging from 252 per 100,000 for the White ethnic group to 319 per 100,000 for the Black ethnic group (Figure 4E).

Figure 4E: Crude referral rates for breast symptoms by ethnicity, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Children’s cancers

Gender

For England, the crude urgent suspected children’s cancer referral rate varies by gender, ranging from 118 per 100,000 for females compared to 103 per 100,000 for males (Figure 5A).

Figure 5A: Crude referral rates for children’s cancers by gender, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent suspected children’s cancer referral rate varies by deprivation, ranging from 94 per 100,000 for the most deprived quintile to 127 per 100,000 for the fourth quintile(Figure 5B).

Figure 5B: Crude referral rates for children’s cancers by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Gynaecological cancers

Age (10 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected gynaecological cancer referral rate varies by age, ranging from 408 per 100,000 for those aged 80 and over to 3,017 per 100,000 for 50 to 59 year olds. The conversion rate of urgent suspected gynaecological cancer referrals increases with age, ranging from 0.9% for people aged under 50 to 8.1% for 70 to 79 year olds. The detection rate for gynaecological cancer varies for different ages, ranging from 28.7% for people aged under 50 to 67.3% for 60 to 69 year olds (Figure 6A).

Figure 6A: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for gynaecological cancers by broad age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (5 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected gynaecological cancer referral rate varies by five-year age groups, increasing from 44 per 100,000 for 15 to 19 year olds to 3,028 per 100,000 for 54 to 59 year olds (Figure 6B).

Figure 6B: Crude referral rates for gynaecological cancers by five year age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent suspected gynaecological cancer referral rate varies by deprivation, ranging from 1,055 per 100,000 for the most deprived quintile to 1,253 per 100,000 for the least deprived quintile. The conversion rate of urgent suspected gynaecological cancer referrals remain similar for deprivation quintiles changing from 2.7% for the most deprived quintile to 3.2% for the fourth quintile. The detection rate for gynaecological cancer varies for by deprivation quintile, ranging from 28.7% for people aged under 50 to 67.3% for 60 to 69 year olds (Figure 6C).

Figure 6C: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for gynaecological cancers by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Ethnicity

For England, the crude urgent suspected gynaecological cancer referral rate varies by ethnicity, ranging from 832 per 100,000 for the Mixed and Other ethnic group to 1,290 per 100,000 for the Black ethnic group (Figure 6D).

Figure 6D: Crude referral rates for gynaecological cancers by ethnicity, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Haematological cancers

Gender

For England, the crude urgent suspected haematological cancer referral rate varies by gender, with 48 per 100,000 for females compared to 52 per 100,000 for males. The conversion rate of urgent suspected haematological cancer referrals varies by gender, ranging from 17.4% for females compared to 23.2% for males. The detection rate for haematological cancer is similar by gender, with 22.5% for females compared to 23.3% for males (Figure 7A).

Figure 7A: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for haematological cancers by gender, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (10 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected haematological cancer referral rate varies by age, increasing from 34 per 100,000 for people aged under 50 to 102 per 100,000 for 70 to 79 year olds. The conversion rate of urgent suspected haematological cancer referrals varies with age, ranging from 7.8% for people aged under 50 to 30.3% for 70 to 79 year olds. The detection rate for haematological cancer varies for different ages, increasing from 18.0% for people aged under 50 to 25.0% for those aged 80 and over (Figure 7B).

Figure 7B: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for haematological cancers by broad age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (5 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected haematological cancer referral rate varies by five-year age groups, increasing from 17 per 100,000 for 15 to 19 year olds to 149 per 100,000 for 85 to 89 year olds (Figure 7C).

Figure 7C: Crude referral rates for haematological cancers by five year age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent suspected haematological cancer referral rate varies by deprivation, increasing from 46 per 100,000 for the least deprived quintile to 52 per 100,000 for the most deprived quintile. The conversion rate of urgent suspected haematological cancer referrals decreases with deprivation, dropping from 25.9% for the least deprived quintile to 14.6% for the most deprived quintile. The detection rate for haematological cancer is similar for deprivation quintiles, changing from 21.3% for the second quintile to 24.2% for the fourth quintile (Figure 7D).

Figure 7D: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for haematological cancers by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Ethnicity

For England, the crude urgent suspected haematological cancer referral rate varies by ethnicity, ranging from 40 per 100,000 for the Mixed and Other ethnic group to 82 per 100,000 for the Black ethnic group (Figure 7E).

Figure 7E: Crude referral rates for haematological cancers by ethnicity, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Head and neck cancers

Gender

For England, the crude urgent suspected head and neck cancer referral rate varies by gender, ranging from 667 per 100,000 for females compared to 494 per 100,000 for males. The conversion rate of urgent suspected head and neck cancer referrals varies by gender, ranging from 1.6% for females compared to 4.1% for males. The detection rate for head and neck cancer varies by gender, ranging from 52.8% for females compared to 62.6% for males (Figure 8A).

Figure 8A: Crude referral rates (A), conversion rates (B) and detection rates (C) for head and neck cancers by gender, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (10 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected head and neck cancer referral rate varies by age, ranging from 372 per 100,000 for those aged 80 and over to 991 per 100,000 for 70 to 79 year olds. The conversion rate of urgent suspected head and neck cancer referrals varies by age, ranging from 1.2% for people aged under 50 to 3.7% for 60 to 69 year olds. The detection rate for head and neck cancer varies for different ages, ranging from 50.3% for people aged under 50 to 61.9% for 50 to 59 year olds (Figure 8B).

Figure 8B: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for head and neck cancers by broad age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (5 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected head and neck cancer referral rate varies by five-year age groups, increasing from 79 per 100,000 for 15 to 19 year olds to 1,012 per 100,000 for 75 to 79 year olds (Figure 8C).

Figure 8C: Crude referral rates for head and neck cancers by five year age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent suspected head and neck cancer referral rate varies by deprivation, ranging from 577 per 100,000 for the least deprived quintile to 594 per 100,000 for the fourth quintile. The conversion rate of urgent suspected head and neck cancer referrals increases with deprivation, ranging from 2.4% for the fourth quintile to 3.0% for the most deprived quintile. The detection rate for head and neck cancer varies by deprivation, increasing from 57.6% for the fourth quintile to 61.3% for the most deprived quintile(Figure 8D).

Figure 8D: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for head and neck cancers by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Ethnicity

For England, the crude urgent referral rate for all suspected cancers varies by ethnicity, ranging from 2,288 per 100,000 for the Mixed and Other ethnic group to 5,193 per 100,000 for the White ethnic group. The conversion rate of urgent referrals for all suspected cancers varies by ethnicity, ranging from 3.1 per 100,000 for the Asian ethnic group to 6.3 per 100,000 for the White ethnic group and (Figure 8E).

Figure 8E: Crude referral rates for head and neck cancers by ethnicity, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Lower gastrointestinal (GI) cancers

Gender

For England, the crude urgent suspected lower GI cancer referral rate varies by gender, ranging from 1,246 per 100,000 for females compared to 1,145 per 100,000 for males. The conversion rate of urgent suspected lower GI cancer referrals varies by gender, with 2.4% for females compared to 3.3% for males. The detection rate for lower GI cancer varies by gender, ranging from 50.2% for females compared to 50.2% for males (Figure 9A).

Figure 9A: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for lower GI cancers by gender, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (10 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected lower GI cancer referral rate varies by age, increasing from 382 per 100,000 for people aged under 50 to 3,107 per 100,000 for 70 to 79 year olds. The conversion rate of urgent suspected lower GI cancer referrals increases with age, ranging from 1.4% for people aged under 50 to 3.8% for those aged 80 and over. The detection rate for lower GI cancer varies for different ages, increasing from 40.2% for 60 to 69 year olds to 59.5% for those aged 80 and over (Figure 9B).

Figure 9B: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for lower GI cancers by broad age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (5 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected lower GI cancer referral rate varies by five-year age groups, increasing from 27 per 100,000 for 15 to 19 year olds to 4,272 per 100,000 for 80 to 84 year olds (Figure 9C).

Figure 9C: Crude referral rates for lower GI cancers by five year age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent suspected lower GI cancer referral rate varies by deprivation, decreasing from 1,258 per 100,000 for the fourth quintile to 1,129 per 100,000 for the second quintile. The conversion rate of urgent suspected lower GI cancer referrals decreases with deprivation, dropping from 3.2% for the least deprived quintile to 2.3% for the most deprived quintile. The detection rate for lower GI cancer varies for different deprivation quintiles, decreasing from 52.2% for the least deprived quintile to 46.4% for the most deprived quintile (Figure 9D).

Figure 9D: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for lower GI cancers by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Ethnicity

For England, the crude urgent suspected lower GI cancer referral rate varies by ethnicity, ranging from 532 per 100,000 for the Mixed and Other ethnic group to 1,240 per 100,000 for the White ethnic group (Figure 9E).

Figure 9E: Crude referral rates for lower GI cancers by ethnicity, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Respiratory system (lung) cancers

Gender

For England, the crude urgent suspected respiratory system (lung) cancer referral rate varies by gender, ranging from 132 per 100,000 for females compared to 160 per 100,000 for males. The conversion rate of urgent suspected respiratory system (lung) cancer referrals range from 13.4% for females compared to 12.1% for males. The detection rate for respiratory system (lung) cancer varies by gender, ranging from 27.7% for females compared to 28.2% for males (Figure 10A).

Figure 10A: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for respiratory system (lung) cancers by gender, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (10 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected respiratory system (lung) cancer referral rate varies by age, increasing from 36 per 100,000 for people aged under 50 to 407 per 100,000 for 70 to 79 year olds. The conversion rate of urgent suspected respiratory system (lung) cancer referrals increases with age, ranging from 2.2% for people aged under 50 to 17.8% for 70 to 79 year olds. The detection rate for respiratory system (lung) cancer varies for different ages, ranging from 25.2% for those aged 80 and over to 30.0% for 60 to 69 year olds (Figure 10B).

Figure 10B: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for respiratory system (lung) cancers by broad age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (5 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected respiratory system (lung) cancer referral rate varies by five-year age groups, increasing from 2 per 100,000 for 15 to 19 year olds to 470 per 100,000 for 80 to 84 year olds (Figure 9C).

Figure 10C: Crude referral rates for respiratory system (lung) cancers by five year age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent suspected respiratory system (lung) cancer referral rate varies by deprivation, increasing from 132 per 100,000 for the least deprived quintile to 159 per 100,000 for the most deprived quintile. The conversion rate of urgent suspected respiratory system (lung) cancer referrals varies by deprivation, ranging from 11.9% for the least deprived quintile to 13.7% for the most deprived quintile. The detection rate for respiratory system (lung) cancer varies by deprivation, decreasing from 30.0% for the least deprived quintile to 25.7% for the most deprived quintile (Figure 10D).

Figure 10D: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for respiratory system (lung) cancers by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Ethnicity

For England, the crude urgent suspected respiratory system (lung) cancer referral rate varies by ethnicity, ranging from 71 per 100,000 for the Mixed and Other ethnic group to 151 per 100,000 for the White ethnic group. The conversion rate of urgent suspected respiratory system (lung) cancer referrals increases with age, ranging from 4.6 per 100,000 for the Asian ethnic group to 13.6 per 100,000 for the White ethnic group.

Figure 10E: Crude referral rates and conversion rates for respiratory system (lung) cancers by ethnicity, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Sarcoma

Gender

For England, the crude urgent suspected sarcoma referral rate varies by gender, ranging from 35 per 100,000 for females compared to 32 per 100,000 for males (Figure 11A).

Figure 11A: Crude referral rates for sarcoma by gender, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (10 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected sarcoma referral rate varies by age, increasing from 19 per 100,000 for those aged 80 and over to 50 per 100,000 for 70 to 79 year olds(Figure 11B).

Figure 11B: Crude referral rates for sarcoma by broad age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent suspected sarcoma referral rate varies by deprivation, ranging from 31 per 100,000 for the most deprived quintile to 35 per 100,000 for the least deprived quintile (Figure 11C).

Figure 11C: Crude referral rates for sarcoma by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Ethnicity

For England, the crude urgent suspected sarcoma referral rate varies by ethnicity, ranging from 27 per 100,000 for the Mixed and Other ethnic group to 41 per 100,000 for the Black ethnic group (Figure 11).

Figure 11D: Crude referral rates for sarcoma by ethnicity, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Skin cancers

Gender

For England, the crude urgent suspected skin cancer referral rate varies by gender, ranging from 1,424 per 100,000 for females compared to 1,262 per 100,000 for males. The conversion rate of urgent suspected skin cancer referrals varies by gender, ranging from 4.4% for females compared to 8.3% for males. The detection rate for skin cancer varies by gender, ranging from 72.1% for females compared to 64.8% for males (Figure 12A).

Figure 12A: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for skin cancers by gender, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (10 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected skin cancer referral rate varies by age, increasing from 736 per 100,000 for people aged under 50 to 2,925 per 100,000 for 70 to 79 year olds. The conversion rate of urgent suspected skin cancer referrals increases with age, ranging from 1.4% for people aged under 50 to 13.8% for those aged 80 and over. The detection rate for skin cancer varies for different ages, decreasing from 79.7% for people aged under 50 to 65.0% for those aged 80 and over (Figure 12B).

Figure 12B: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for skin cancers by broad age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (5 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected skin cancer referral rate varies by five-year age groups, increasing from 156 per 100,000 for 15 to 19 year olds to 4,722 per 100,000 for those aged 90 and over. The conversion rate of urgent suspected skin cancer referrals increases with five-year age group, ranging from 0.2% for 15 to 19 year olds to 16.8% for those aged 90 and over (Figure 12C).

Figure 12C: Crude referral rates and conversion rates for skin cancers by five year age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent suspected skin cancer referral rate varies by deprivation, decreasing from 1,711 per 100,000 for the least deprived quintile to 882 per 100,000 for the most deprived quintile. The conversion rate of urgent suspected skin cancer referrals decreases with deprivation, dropping from 6.8% for the least deprived quintile to 4.8% for the most deprived quintile. The detection rate for skin cancer remains similar by deprivation, changing from 66.6% for the least deprived quintile to 68.6% for the third quintile(Figure 12D).

Figure 12D: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for skin cancers by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Ethnicity

For England, the crude urgent suspected skin cancer referral rate varies by ethnicity, ranging from 385 per 100,000 for the Black ethnic group to 1,449 per 100,000 for the White ethnic group. The conversion rate of urgent suspected skin cancer referrals varies by ethnicity, ranging from 0.4 per 100,000 for the Asian ethnic group to 6.6 per 100,000 for the White ethnic group.

Figure 12E: Crude referral rates and conversion rates for skin cancers by ethnicity, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Urological cancers

Gender

For England, the crude urgent suspected urological cancer referral rate varies by gender, ranging from 196 per 100,000 for females compared to 984 per 100,000 for males. The conversion rate of urgent suspected urological cancer referrals varies by gender, ranging from 4.5% for females compared to 18.3% for males. The detection rate for urological cancer varies by gender, ranging from 44.4% for females compared to 71.5% for males.

Figure 13A: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for urological cancers by gender, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (10 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected urological cancer referral rate varies by age, increasing from 117 per 100,000 for people aged under 50 to 1,618 per 100,000 for 70 to 79 year olds. The conversion rate of urgent suspected urological cancer referrals increases with age, ranging from 6.4% for people aged under 50 to 20.7% for 70 to 79 year olds. The detection rate for urological cancer varies for different ages, ranging from 58.2% for people aged under 50 to 73.2% for 60 to 69 year olds (Figure 13B).

Figure 13B: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for urological cancers by broad age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (5 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected urological cancer referral rate varies by five-year age groups, increasing from 20 per 100,000 for 15 to 19 year olds to 1,760 per 100,000 for 75 to 79 year olds (Figure 13C).

Figure 13C: Crude referral rates for urological cancers by five year age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent suspected urological cancer referral rate varies by deprivation, decreasing from 676 per 100,000 for the least deprived quintile to 451 per 100,000 for the most deprived quintile. The conversion rate of urgent suspected urological cancer referrals decreases with deprivation, ranging from 16.9% for the least deprived quintile to 14.1% for the most deprived quintile. The detection rate for urological cancer varies for different deprivation quintiles, decreasing from 71.2% for the least deprived quintile to 64.3% for the most deprived quintile (Figure 13D).

Figure 13D: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for urological cancers by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Ethnicity

For England, the crude urgent suspected urological cancer referral rate varies by ethnicity, ranging from 307 per 100,000 for the Mixed and Other ethnic group to 677 per 100,000 for the Black ethnic group. The conversion rate of urgent suspected urological cancer referrals varies by ethnicity, ranging from 9.0 per 100,000 for the Asian ethnic group to 16.5 per 100,000 for the White ethnic group (Figure 13E).

Figure 13E: Crude referral rates and conversion rates for all cancers by ethnicity, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Upper GI cancers

Gender

For England, the crude urgent suspected upper GI cancer referral rate varies by gender, ranging from 529 per 100,000 for females compared to 410 per 100,000 for males. The conversion rate of urgent suspected upper GI cancer referrals varies by gender, ranging from 2.3% for females compared to 5.5% for males. The detection rate for upper GI cancer varies by gender, with 36.1% for females compared to 39.9% for males (Figure 14A).

Figure 14A: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for upper GI cancers by gender, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (10 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected upper GI cancer referral rate varies by age, increasing from 156 per 100,000 for people aged under 50 to 1,157 per 100,000 for 70 to 79 year olds. The conversion rate of urgent suspected upper GI cancer referrals increases with age, ranging from 0.7% for people aged under 50 to 5.6% for those aged 80 and over. The detection rate for upper GI cancer varies for different ages, increasing from 27.2% for people aged under 50 to 40.0% for 60 to 69 year olds (Figure 14B).

Figure 14B: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for upper GI cancers by broad age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (5 year)

For England, the crude urgent suspected upper GI cancer referral rate varies by five-year age groups, increasing from 14 per 100,000 for 15 to 19 year olds to 1,423 per 100,000 for 80 to 84 year olds (Figure 14C).

Figure 14C: Crude referral rates for all cancers by five year age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent suspected upper GI cancer referral rate varies by deprivation, increasing from 449 per 100,000 for the least deprived quintile to 517 per 100,000 for the most deprived quintile. The conversion rate of urgent suspected upper GI cancer referrals decreases with deprivation, ranging from 4.3% for the least deprived quintile to 2.9% for the most deprived quintile. The detection rate for upper GI cancer varies for different deprivation quintiles, decreasing from 40.6% for the fourth quintile to 35.0% for the most deprived quintile (Figure 14D).

Figure 14D: Crude referral rates, conversion rates and detection rates for upper GI cancers by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Ethnicity

For England, the crude urgent suspected upper GI cancer referral rate varies by ethnicity, ranging from 242 per 100,000 for the Mixed and Other ethnic group to 480 per 100,000 for the Asian ethnic group. The conversion rate of urgent suspected upper GI cancer referrals varies by ethnicity, ranging from 1.3 per 100,000 for the Asian ethnic group to 4.1 per 100,000 for the Unknown ethnic group (Figure 14E).

Figure 14E: Crude referral rates and conversion rates for upper GI cancers by ethnicity, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Non-specific symptoms

Gender

For England, the crude urgent non-specific symptom cancer referral rate remains consistent by broad age groups, increasing from 48 per 100,000 for compared to 38 per 100,000 for . The conversion rate of urgent non-specific symptom cancer referrals varies by gender, ranging from 2.2% for females compared to 3.2% for males (Figure 15A).

Figure 15A: Crude referral rates and conversion rates for non-specific symptoms by gender, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (10 year)

For England, the crude urgent non-specific symptom cancer referral rate varies by broad age groups, increasing from 15 per 100,000 for people aged under 50 to 111 per 100,000 for 70 to 79 year olds (Figure 15B).

Figure 15B: Crude referral rates for non-specific symptoms by broad age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (5 year)

For England, the crude urgent non-specific symptom cancer referral rate varies by five-year age groups, increasing from 2 per 100,000 for 15 to 19 year olds to 144 per 100,000 for 80 to 84 year olds (Figure 15C).

Figure 15C: Crude referral rates for non-specific symptoms by five year age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent non-specific symptom cancer referral rate varies by deprivation quintile, increasing from 34 per 100,000 for least deprived quintile to 54 per 100,000 for most deprived quintile (Figure 15D).

Figure 15D: Crude referral rates for non-specific symptoms by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Ethnicity

For England, the crude urgent non-specific symptom cancer referral rate varies by ethnicity, increasing from 29 per 100,000 for Mixed and Other to 68 per 100,000 for Black (Figure 15E).

Figure 15E: Crude referral rates for non-specific symptoms by ethnicity, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Other cancers

Gender

For England, the crude urgent referral rate for other suspected cancers remain similar for gender, increasing from 13 per 100,000 for females compared to 10 per 100,000 for males (Figure 16A).

Figure 16A: Crude referral rates for other cancers by gender, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Age (10 year)

For England, the crude urgent referral rate for other suspected cancers varies by age, increasing from 5 per 100,000 for people aged under 50 to 27 per 100,000 for 70 to 79 year olds (Figure 16B).

Figure 16B: Crude referral rates for other cancers by broad age group, April 2022 to March 2023, England

Deprivation

For England, the crude urgent referral rate for other suspected cancers varies by deprivation, increasing from 9 per 100,000 for the fourth quintile to 19 per 100,000 for the most deprived quintile (Figure 16C).

Figure 16C: Crude referral rates for other cancers by deprivation quintile, April 2022 to March 2023, England


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