Cancer: almost 70% of patients waiting over 62 days for treatment in NI after being 'urgently' referred by their GP

Around 70% of patients are waiting for cancer treatment in Northern Ireland after being red-flagged by their GP.

New statistics from the Department of Health show during the last quarter (July – September 2025) around 1,000 patients waited longer than the 62-day guideline, to start treatment for cancer following an urgent GP referral.

In addition just 183 of 2,699 patients were seen by a breast cancer specialist following an urgent referral across all five HSC Trusts within the 14-day guideline.

According to Cancer Research UK, this 'target' has not been met since it was introduced in 2008.

Naser Turabi, Cancer Research UK’s director of Evidence and Implementation, said: “It’s unacceptable that cancer waiting times in Northern Ireland remain the worst in the UK.

“These delays aren’t just a performance concern, they’re a matter of patient safety and survival.

“There needs to be concerted action at every level of the health service. Investment is required, coupled with a clear plan and urgent improvements to boost clinical capacity and ultimately protect patients from harm.”

He added: “For people currently waiting for tests or treatment, we understand how difficult and worrying this time can be."

Meanwhile, in response to the figures, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: "Today’s cancer waiting time figures reflect an early stage in the transition to our new regional breast assessment service. While there is still more to do, the progress since then shows that reform was necessary, that it was the right decision, and that it is already delivering results.

"The figures published today relate to July to September 2025, the first quarter in which all five Trusts moved onto the new regional system. This early transition period had a short-term impact on performance, including the 6.8% of urgent breast patients seen within 14 days. That figure does not reflect the improvements that have followed, nor the reasons why change was required.

"The 14 day breast target has never been consistently met in Northern Ireland and performance was deteriorating before the regional move. Without intervention, the service was becoming less equitable and less sustainable.

"Since the end of the reporting period there has been very real progress."

Mr Nesbitt went on to say: "I can assure everyone that collectively we are doing everything we can to address this situation with straight to test pathways and learning from colleagues throughout the UK in the delivery of a red flag triple assessment service.

I recognise the anxiety that delays cause for patients and families. While today’s figures cover an early transitional period, the progress since then shows that reform was necessary."