‘Deadly postcode lottery’ restricting new cancer treatments in England, doctors say

Radiologists say ‘bureaucratic hurdles’ are blocking radiotherapies that allow more cures and precise treatments with reduced side effects. Photograph: Science Photo Library/Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF

Cancer patients are being denied access to cutting-edge treatments on the NHS because of a “deadly postcode lottery” in access, doctors have warned.

Patients in England are missing out on two innovative forms of radiotherapy that are known to be effective against several forms of the disease and are widely available in other countries, due to “red tape” and lack of funding.