HUNDREDS of patients with suspected breast cancer were not seen on time at Oxford University Hospitals in December, figures reveal.

NHS England data shows that 458 patients with suspected breast cancer were referred by GPs for urgent investigations at the trust in that month.

However, only 49 of them were seen by a consultant within the recommended two-week window – the lowest figure for the month since records began in 2009.

This was also well below the national NHS target for 93 per cent of all cancer patients to be seen within this timeframe.

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Charity Breast Cancer Now said the 'frightening consequence' of vital targets being missed across England was that more women could be living with the disease without knowing.

Sara Randall, chief operating officer at OUH, commented: "We are very sorry that the Breast Two Week Wait Service has not been able to offer all appointments within 14 days in recent months.

"We understand that this can be a worrying time for our patients and apologise for any distress caused.

"To ensure patient and staff safety and in common with other hospital services, we have had to make adjustments to our appointments."

"We have recently put on extra clinics and have continued to treat patients within the 62 day cancer standard, and are working to reduce our waiting lists."

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