Local cancer charity welcomes new breast cancer initiatives in light of “unacceptable” diagnostic delays

Following another quarter of crisis-level waiting times, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland warns that cancer waits are continuing to deteriorate, with delays rampant across Northern Ireland.

Latest waiting time data shows continued, dangerous delays and inequalities between Trusts

The warning follows the release of the latest NI Cancer Waiting Times, published this morning from the NI Department of Health with reference to cancer waits in Northern, South Eastern, Southern, and Western Trust hospitals from April through June 2024. The Belfast Trust was excluded in light of the “Go-Live” of a new digital record system, encompass, on 6 June and subsequent data validation delays.

The data shows that of the 1,629 cancer patients who started their first definitive treatment, 91.4% started the treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat (target: 98%); that of the ~895 cancer patients starting treatment following urgent GP referral for suspect cancer, 35.8% started treatment within 62 days of the referral (target: 95%); and that of the 3,019 patients seen by a breast cancer specialist following urgent referral for breast cancer, 30.7% were seen within 14 days of the referral (target: 100%).

The data further indicated critical performance gaps between the Trusts. For example, achievement of the 62-Day target ranged from 43.0% in the Western Trust to 25.5% in the Southern Trust. The 14-Day Breast Cancer Target represents even greater disparities, with achievement going from 82.6% in the Western Trust to 10.8% in the Southern Trust, 7.7% in the Northern Trust, and 4.8% in the South Eastern Trust. No data was provided for the Belfast Trust.

Breast cancer waits among worst on record

The Breast Cancer Target is particular cause for concern. Coming on the eve of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, today’s statistics are among the worst breast cancer waits on record. Pat McClelland, a nurse and Director of Services at Cancer Focus NI, explains:

“In the past 15 months, breast cancer waiting times have plummeted, to the point that we are now in a position where our Trusts are seeing less than half of the women they were seeing at the start of last year within the desired timeline. For patients and their families, these long waits are incredibly stressful, both when waiting on investigation for a suspect cancer and even more so when waiting on treatment commencing.

“In light of these unacceptable delays and inequalities between the Trusts, we welcome the Department of Health’s announcement yesterday of new initiatives for breast cancer services. We are relieved to see the Department recognise the significant need to address the delays and encouraged to see action getting underway.

“Within the announced initiatives, we are particularly pleased to see plans for a regional approach to breast cancer assessment and surgery, combined with close-to-home aftercare and chemotherapy. If done well, this would allow for faster diagnoses and treatments, which are important to lowering health risks, while not imposing significant travel burdens on impacted families. To further reduce travel burdens, we hope that even within regional lists, there will still be a way to leverage appointment distance data to get patients to the care they need at the best place for them within a suitable timeframe.

“Looking forward, we urge continued collaboration between the Health Department, Trust staff including clinicians, people with lived experience, and cancer charities. This was mentioned in yesterday’s announcement and will be critical to unlocking meaningful, sustainable improvements to health service delivery. Same goes with the planning, piloting, implementation, and monitoring of these and other initiatives.

“We know the sooner cancer is detected, the more effective treatment is and better the outcome is for the patient. We are encouraged to see the Programme for Government, Health Minister Nesbitt, and the Department of Health recognise this and agree that addressing these waiting times is a priority – and we know that Trust management and clinical staff are continually striving to provide care in very challenging circumstances.

“Especially in light of these new initiatives, we cannot lose momentum – otherwise, we risk letting the wait times and associated health complications get even worse.”

For patients and loved ones impacted by cancer, Cancer Focus NI operates across Northern Ireland providing a range of support services, including counselling, art therapy, family support, support groups, and a patient driving service. For women impacted by breast cancer, the charity additionally offers a bespoke bra and swimwear fitting service with specialised bra fitters.

To speak about any cancer concern or to access the charity’s services, call the Cancer Focus NI Nurseline at 0800 783 3339 (open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9am – 1pm).

Information on the new initiatives for breast cancer services, announced on 25 September 2024, can be found on the Department of Health website.