The NHS in England is failing « thousands » of cancer patients by treating them too slowly, a charity warns.
At least 85% of patients should start treatment within 62 days of a GP referral for suspected cancer.
But official figures show the target was missed for an entire year, with just 83.4% seen on time in 2014-15.
Cancer Research UK said the situation was getting worse and called for urgent action.
Early diagnosis and treatment is vital for improving the chances of recovering from cancer.
But more than 21,000 people were not seen within the 62-day target in the last financial year.
Sara Hiom, the director of early diagnosis at Cancer Research UK, said: « This is the worst result since records began, in 2009.
« Thousands of cancer patients are being failed.
« Patients want confidence that suspected cancer is taken seriously and prioritised by the NHS.
« These breaches have become a trend, and they are worsening.