New research has shown that Brits are putting off visiting the GP due to waiting list times, even if they have symptoms they’re worried about.
Lengthy NHS waiting lists are putting patients off seeking medical help – even when they are experiencing potential cancer symptoms, new research has revealed. The study of 2,000 adults discovered that 29 per cent have postponed seeking help because of extended waiting times, whilst 22 per cent have completely avoided consulting a healthcare professional.
Worryingly, one in five delayed visiting a GP despite spotting possible signs of cancer. Current numbers show outstanding treatments on the NHS at 7.4 million for 6.25 million patients in England. But doctors are cautioning that this behaviour could result in symptoms going undetected or not being identified until later down the line when chances of survival are reduced.
NHS figures show that more than a third of melanomas are discovered through routine pathways rather than urgent referrals – suggesting delays in those queues could be concealing additional undiagnosed cancers.
More than half of those waiting are yet to receive any clinical contact, whilst over 1,400 people have been waiting beyond 18 months to start routine treatment.
The research was commissioned by Skin Analytics, which specialises in AI-driven skin cancer detection and collaborates with 27 NHS trusts throughout the UK. As patients become increasingly receptive to solutions that accelerate access to care, 79 per cent said they would trust AI in healthcare assessments.
Neil Daly, founder and CEO of the healthtech company, said: “The real danger comes not from technology, but from waiting months for answers while cancer can progress. Too many patients are delaying or avoiding care altogether because they don’t believe they will get seen.
“AI tools show that regulated technology can safely reduce that risk – giving patients timely answers and freeing up doctors’ time to focus where it matters most. The NHS now has a duty to use proven innovation to protect patients.”
Similarly, three quarters of those surveyed also believe the NHS has a responsibility to roll out technologies that are proven to enhance patient outcomes.
While the study highlighted concerns about using AI in healthcare such as a lack of accountability and a reduction in human skills, advantages were listed as not being affected by fatigue and being more economical.
It also found confidence in AI increased dramatically when backed by medics or demonstrated to surpass clinicians, with 36 per cent believing that regulated AI will ultimately be superior at providing medical evaluations than human doctors.
Lynsey Robertson, a GP practice manager, had ignored a mole for years because she did not want to “waste a doctor’s time” – until the AI flagged it as melanoma.
She said: “I’d always put it off, assuming it was nothing. When the AI flagged it and I got a quick diagnosis, I was shocked at how serious it was. Without it, I might still be waiting – or not have gone at all.”
Dr Saleem Taibjee, consultant dermatologist and clinical lead at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in England, making up more than one in five urgent cancer referrals, and pressure on services means many patients are waiting longer than they should have to, or delaying seeking help.
“By helping dermatologists triage referrals quickly and accurately, AI helps us prioritise cases like these and reduce delays.
“AI will not completely replace clinical expertise, but it is becoming an essential tool to help us manage rising demand, reduce backlogs, and ensure patients like Lynsey get the right care at the right time.”
Neil Daly, from Skin Analytics, which has seen its skin cancer detection system, DERM, became the world’s first AI legally authorised to detect cancer in patients without a doctor present, added: “What this research shows is that while not everyone fully grasps the risks of delay, people increasingly see the potential for safe, regulated AI to protect patients.
“Concerns about empathy and accountability are valid, but AI is never about replacing doctors – it’s about supporting them to deliver better, faster care.”