With the launch of new technologies for the NHS in England, millions of cancer patients have been promised to be diagnosed and treated faster.

Called Cancer 360, the tool is designed to bring data from cancer patients into a central system so that doctors and nurses can prioritize those who need it most and see them faster.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the aim is to help transfer existing simulation systems into digital systems so that medical staff in England no longer need to collect important information about each cancer patient from different spreadsheets, emails and records.

Dr. Vin Diwakar, director of clinical transformation at NHS England, said: “Every cancer patient deserves rapid and effective care, and our new cancer 360 solution ensures that exactly. By giving clinicians a comprehensive view of the patient’s pathway, we can identify and address the delay immediately.

“As Cancer 360 expands to more hospitals nationwide, I believe we will see meaningful improvements in treatment time and patient experience.”

It is understood that the trust will not be forced to use the tool, but those who do not meet NHS cancer standards — including 85% of cancer patients should start treatment within 62 days of referral — may ask how Cancer 360 can help them achieve their goals.

DHSC said cancer 360, and helping patients get faster diagnosis, will help reduce treatment delays and thus improve survival.

McMillan Cancer-backed Eve Byrne welcomed the promotion, saying: “There are nearly 3.5 million people with cancer in the UK – a number that continues to increase – and the need for faster diagnosis and timely treatment has never been so urgent.

“From diagnosis to treatment and support, too many people still face unacceptable differences in cancer care. We welcome the launch of anyone who will help improve outcomes, reduce delays and enable cancer patients to control their health.”

Professor Phil Banfield, president of the British Medical Association Council, said: “A initiative like this is very promising in bringing disconnected, disconnected and outdated NHS systems into the 21st century.”

“To really make a difference, we need to ensure that health services have a wider investment and staff that benefit from these advancements,” he added.

The technology has been driven at Royal United Hospitals, Chelsea and Westminster Hospitals in Bath. This is said to help the latter meet faster diagnostic criteria, so 75% of patients should be diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days of referral.

Technical Secretary Peter Kyle said: “I have witnessed the stress and heartbreak that cancer has caused in my own family.

“Depending on the ancient pen and paper system, life-saving diagnostic appointments, it’s because of whether postal notes are missing sticks or a piece of paper is missing. This puts life at risk. And, with the technology we have today, there is no reason for any part of our health care services to run this way.”

Health Minister Wes Streeting said the government is investing £26 billion in the NHS, adding: "It's a long road, but we've got the NHS back on its feet, providing patients with more than 3 million dates, hiring 1,500 new GPS and starting new technologies that save lives."