Ulster Unionist Party Health Spokesperson, Jo-Anne Dobson MLA, has warned that the latest publication of waiting times for cancer diagnostic and treatment services demonstrates that lives are being put at risk.

The Upper Bann MLA said:

“The official target for an urgent referral for suspected cancer is that 95% of patients should begin their treatment within 62 days. Yet the latest figures show that in March only 72% of patients were seen within this timeframe. In addition, the target waiting time for a first assessment with a breast cancer specialist is that all urgent breast cancer referrals should be seen within 14 days. Yet in March the figure was 82%, a frightening deterioration from the figure of 94% achieved only a few months before in January.

“Given that getting treatment as early as possible gives cancer patients the best chance of survival, the current inadequate performance means that lives are being put at risk.

“A cancer diagnosis, or a case of suspected cancer, is a frightening time for the patient and their family. Being forced to wait well in excess of the official waiting times only compels that pressure.  

“It’s clear there is a crisis in cancer diagnostic and treatment services. Given the regular delays in spotting the symptoms, all further unnecessary delays in diagnosis and treatment must be avoided. Unfortunately however at present this is not the case. Every extra week or month between a diagnosis of cancer and starting treatment weakens the chances of making a full recovery.

“Early diagnosis and treatment is absolutely central to improving patient outcomes so it is disturbing that there are people possibly losing their lives as a result of avoidable or preventable delays in the health service.”