Eight in 10 radiology leaders and half of cancer leaders across the UK believe staff shortages are causing patients' conditions to worsen, a survey by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has found – delays doctors are now calling “extremely dangerous”.
The RCR surveyed clinical directors at all 159 radiology departments and every head of service at all 60 cancer centres in the UK. Nine in 10 cancer leaders reported delays to patients starting radiotherapy or drug-based treatment such as chemotherapy as a result of staff shortages. One cancer centre lead told the RCR: “[Staff shortages are causing] delays in patients starting both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.” Another said: “Workforce shortages in diagnostics especially radiology and pathology are critical and lengthening pathways which is leading to patient harm.”
“Eight in 10 radiology leaders say staff shortages worsen cancer patients' conditions, RCR survey warns.”
The problem is worst in deprived and rural areas, the RCR found, while recruitment freezes affecting radiology departments and cancer centres everywhere have doubled in a year. A ban on hiring permanent staff means hospitals fill gaps with expensive agency staff and overtime – the UK spent a record £362 million in 2025 on outsourcing, paid overtime, and locums to plug radiology gaps. Leaders also raised concerns about the quality of outsourced work, with scans needing further checks. A radiology clinical director said: “Workforce shortages delay report turnaround time…”
According to the RCR, the UK now has 32% – more than 2,300 – fewer radiologists and 17% – more than 230 – fewer clinical oncologists than it needs to meet current demand. These shortfalls have risen since 2024, from 29% to 32% for radiologists and 15% to 17% for clinical oncologists, and are set to get worse. Demand for scans is growing at more than twice the rate of radiologists available to interpret them, while staff are also retiring.
One cancer centre lead summed up the consequences: “Significant delays in [scan] acquisition and reporting of a wide range of patients have negatively impacted prognosis, potential treatment options and resulted in harm.” With recruitment freezes doubling and workforce gaps widening, doctors warn that without immediate action, the crisis will only deepen – leaving more patients waiting longer for the care they need.