- National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre (NATCAN),
- National Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Audit (NOGCA)
10 Sep 2026
This report is an audit of care received by people diagnosed with oesophageal or gastric cancer between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2024 in England and Wales. It reviews diagnosis, treatment and outcomes, finding that many patients present with advanced disease, and treatment delays remain significant. Only 67% of fit English stage 1-3 patients received curative treatment.
Late presentation remains a major challenge
A substantial proportion of people continue to be diagnosed with advanced disease, with little change over recent years. This reflects both the non-specific symptom profile of OG cancers and variation in diagnostic pathways. There is a need for continued focus on earlier diagnosis, including optimisation of referral pathways, improved risk stratification in primary care, and implementation of streamlined diagnostic models.
Variation is also evident in treatment allocation. The percentage of people with stages 1–3 disease initiating treatment with curative intent remains relatively low, particularly in Wales, and varies considerably between organisations.
The report also includes recommendations to: improve CNS access; increase curative treatment rates; reduce prolonged stays; and optimise palliative treatment.
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