Hundreds of NHS patients diagnosed with cancer last year waited longer than the expected two-month period before starting treatment, a new analysis of official figures reveals.

At North West London Hospitals Trust, which runds Northwick Park Hospital, 123 patients waited too long for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other forms of treatment for cancer during 2014 – an increase of 36 per cent on the previous year.

An analysis of official nationwide NHS cancer care statistics, carried out by the Labour Party, shows that more than 20,000 patients waited too long for treatment last year across England, of which 2,600 were in London.

Uma Kumaran, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Harrow East, said: "In the last year, hundreds of cancer patients have waited too long for treatment to start and, in some cases, their chances of survival will have been harmed.

"When it comes to cancer, people shouldn't have to suffer agonising and stressful waits, speed is everything. Labour is committed to cancer tests and results within one week to help end this scandal.”

Patients have a right to receive their first treatment within 62 days of receiving an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer, according to the NHS constitution.

However, the NHS in England missed the target for all four quarters in 2014.

North West London Hospitals Trust has been approached for comment.