Last six months of cancer waiting times ‘worst on record’ says charity

The last six months of cancer waiting times are the “worst on record” in Northern Ireland, a leading cancer charity has said.

The latest quarterly figures released by the Department of Health on Thursday showed targets were continuing to be missed.

During the quarter ending September 2022, 88.2% of patients (2,373) started treatment within the target 31 days, compared with 86.2% in the quarter ending June 2022 and 90% in the quarter ending September 2021.

In the same quarter, just 39.5% of patients (527) started treatment within the target 62 days, compared with 37.7% in the quarter ending June 2022 and 46.1% in the quarter ending September 2021.

Cancer Research UK described the latest quarter as the second worst performing on record in terms of the 62 day target for patients starting treatment for cancer following an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer.  

The charity said the latest figure, compared to 2008 when the target was introduced, shows a “deterioration in waiting times”.   

Margaret Carr, Cancer Research UK’s public affairs manager in Northern Ireland, said all should be “deeply concerned that the last six months are the worst on record for cancer waiting times targets in Northern Ireland”.

“Delays with diagnosis and starting treatment may make it more difficult to treat cancer successfully and can cause significant anxiety for patients,” she said.

Ms Carr paid tribute to the “tireless efforts of healthcare workers”, but said patients are waiting too long for treatment “due to years of underinvestment in cancer services”. 

She also criticised the continuing collapse of devolved government at Stormont, saying it has effectively put Northern Ireland’s cancer strategy on hold.

“Cancer is Northern Ireland’s biggest killer and year on year, more people are being diagnosed with the disease,” she said.

“Northern Ireland’s cancer strategy includes actions to deal with increased demand, but it is effectively on hold due to the absence of an Executive. Inaction is putting increased pressure on health professionals and ultimately putting cancer patients’ lives at risk.

“The implementation of the strategy – and the agreed budget to do so – is critical if we are to have any chance of improving diagnosis, treatment and care for the thousands of people diagnosed with cancer in Northern Ireland every year.”