ANALYSIS of NHS data from 2021 shows England provided roughly 50% fewer PET-CT scans than clinical guidelines recommend. PET-CT, vital for detecting cancers and neurological disorders, was underused for prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumours, dementia, and breast cancer.
Modelled estimates based on 2013 and 2022 Royal College of Radiologists guidelines indicate a shortfall of about 122,533 scans annually. For key conditions like prostate cancer and dementia, actual scans met only 15-50% of recommended levels.
This gap is expected to widen without strategic investment in scanners, tracers, and workforce capacity. Regional variations and limited data on rare indications further complicate planning efforts.
Experts stress the importance of continuous monitoring and improved access to ensure equitable healthcare delivery across England.