EAST Lancashire’s hospitals are struggling to hit their targets for seeing cancer patients within 62 days of referral.

In May, the trust which runs Royal Blackburn and Burnley General narrowly missed seeing at least 85 per cent of patients within the time limit.

And since then bosses are anticipating the percentage has fallen to just 80 per cent.

The trust has said the problem is due to staff shortages and added that some patients had also experienced delays because their conditions were complex.

But whatever the reason, any hold-ups in receiving vital treatment are very worrying.

This is an issue where it is not just targets we are talking about, it is people’s lives.

Time is of the essence when it comes to treating cancer, and patients should have the reassurance that they are being examined as soon as possible.

Not only is there the risk of the disease spreading but also the psychological effect of people worrying while waiting to see a specialist.

Hospital bosses need to act now to tackle the staff shortages and ensure we once again have a service we can all be proud of.