Latest figures on cancer waiting times in NI branded "unacceptable"

By Q Radio News

Cancer Research UK has called the latest figures on cancer waiting times in Northern Ireland "unacceptable".

The data shows that between July and September of last year, over 50% (600) of patients waited longer than 62 days for treatment following an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer.

This is 16% higher (over 80 more patients) than pre-pandemic figures.

Only 46% of patients started treatment within the target time between July and September 2021.

The target set by the Department of Health here is that at least 95% of patients start treatment within this amount of time.

All health trusts missed the target for the quarter.

Cancer Research UK’s public affairs manager in Northern Ireland, Barbara Roulston, said: 

"We know that this is an exceptionally tough winter for the health service and its staff, but the continuing long waits are unacceptable as they’ll be a horrendous worry for anyone needs cancer treatment.

"The Northern Ireland Executive’s draft 10-year cancer strategy has the power to put cancer services on track by ensuring we have the right staff in place to detect, diagnose and treat cancer. 

"The strategy is the key to tackling waiting times and improving cancer survival.

"We welcome the focus on health and the prioritization of cancer in the NI Executive’s draft budget. 

"However, there are still questions about funding to ensure we have the right workforce in place to detect, diagnose and treat cancer effectively in Northern Ireland. 

"We need the Executive to take swift action now to fund the strategy in full, avoid a cancer catastrophe and ensure cancer survival doesn’t start going backwards."

(Barbara Roulston says the missed targets are 'unacceptable')