Key facts
- Eight in 10 radiology leaders and half of cancer leaders believe staff shortages are worsening patients' conditions.
- Nine in 10 cancer leaders reported delays in patients starting radiotherapy or drug-based treatment.
- The UK needs over 2,300 more radiologists (32% shortfall) and over 230 more clinical oncologists (17% shortfall).
- Recruitment freezes affecting radiology and cancer centres have doubled in a year.
- The RCR estimates that increasing radiology trainees by 50% could save the NHS £460 million over 10 years.
A critical shortage of radiologists and oncologists in the UK is leading to "extremely dangerous" delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment, according to a report by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR).
The RCR surveyed clinical directors at all 159 radiology departments and heads of service at all 60 cancer centres in the UK. The findings revealed that eight in 10 radiology leaders and half of cancer leaders believe staff shortages are causing patients' conditions to worsen and leading to delays in diagnosis.
Furthermore, nine in 10 cancer leaders reported that patients are facing delays in starting essential treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy due to the lack of staff. These workforce shortages are particularly acute in deprived and rural areas, and recruitment freezes have doubled in the past year.
The report highlights a significant shortfall, with the UK needing 32% more radiologists (over 2,300) and 17% more clinical oncologists (over 230) to meet current demand. Demand for scans is increasing at more than twice the rate of available radiologists to interpret them, while staff are also retiring.
To compensate for the gaps, hospitals are increasingly relying on expensive agency staff and overtime. In 2025, a record £362 million was spent on outsourcing, overtime, and locums. Concerns have also been raised about the quality of outsourced reports, which may require further review by local radiologists.
The RCR is urging the government to invest in long-term solutions, such as training more radiologists and oncologists. Economic modelling commissioned by the RCR suggests that a 50% increase in radiology trainees could fill three-quarters of the current workforce shortfall and save the NHS £460 million over 10 years, compared to short-term fixes.