More than nine in ten South East cancer patients receive information they need before diagnostic tests

Cancer patients across the South East have reported positive experiences of care in the latest national NHS survey, with more than 12,800 people across the region providing feedback.

Results from the 2025 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey show that more patients are receiving clear information before diagnostic tests, alongside positive experiences of support and communication during their care.

More than nine in ten patients in each of the South East’s four Cancer Alliances said they received all the information they needed before their diagnostic test.

An average of 73% of patients said they definitely received the right level of support from hospital staff during treatment.

The survey also looked at whether patients had a main contact person within their cancer care team. Wessex recorded the highest result at 93%, followed by Kent and Medway at 90%. Thames Valley and Surrey and Sussex both recorded 89%.

Patients continued to report confidence in their clinical teams, good communication when receiving their diagnosis and high levels of dignity and respect during hospital care.

Wessex recorded all of its key measures within the expected range nationally, while Surrey and Sussex achieved above-expected results for patients’ confidence in hospital teams and pain control.

Dr Christopher Tibbs, NHS England South East Medical Director, said the results showed patients were feeling better informed and supported, while acknowledging there was further work to do, particularly around ensuring people have a named contact they can reach for help or reassurance.

The results come as cancer services across the South East continue to develop new approaches to diagnosis, treatment and care.

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust is using artificial intelligence to support the reading of X-rays and help prioritise scans where potential concerns are identified. The trust has also introduced a rehabilitation service for people recovering from major cancer surgery and opened a second dedicated oncology ward.

In Sussex, work is under way on a new cancer centre at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, which is expected to treat up to 60,000 patients each year when it opens in 2029.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has also reported that its Rapid Intervention for Palliative and End of Life Care project has helped more than 4,500 patients receive personalised care at home while avoiding 19,400 unplanned hospital bed days.

Meanwhile, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is one of three sites nationally rolling out an NHS 111 straight-to-test initiative, allowing women with red-flag breast cancer symptoms to book a suitable clinic appointment through NHS 111 online or the NHS App without first seeing a GP.

Stay informed with the stories shaping health and social care.