Figures show 'concerning drop' in number of people starting treatment for cancer in NI

By Q Radio News

Cancer treatment waiting times statistics in Northern Ireland which show that during the last quarter for which results are available (October to December 2020), 303 fewer patients (an 11% drop) in Northern Ireland started treatment for cancer compared to the same time last year.

The report also tells us that only 56% of patients with an urgent GP referral for a suspicion of cancer started treatment within 62 days during the same quarter. The target is 95 per cent.

All health trusts missed the target for the quarter. This target, set in 2009, has never been met across Northern Ireland.

Only 59% of patients with an urgent suspected breast cancer referral were seen by a specialist within the 14-day target between October and December 2020, compared to 97% for the same quarter in the previous year.

During October to December 2020 there was a greater number of patients (416 more) seen by a specialist for an urgent suspected breast cancer referral compared with October-December 2019.* But the number who had been seen within the 14-day target was down by 1,232 patients, relative to October-December 2019.**

While there was a greater number of patients seen for suspected breast cancer, fewer patients than pre-covid were seen within the 14-day target during October-December 2020.

Dervilia Kernaghan, head of care services, Cancer Focus NI, said: “The figures released today are deeply concerning.

 “Unfortunately, the recent reorientation of the health care service due to the impact of Covid has come at a cost to planned and scheduled care, especially cancer services that already had lengthy waiting times even prior to the pandemic.

“It’s clear that particular figures such as the 14 day target for urgent referrals continue to fall short and this is extremely distressing for those who are waiting to be seen.

 “We fully understand the extreme pressures currently on our health service and appreciate just how hard medical staff has been working in an already very stretched system. However, we need a long-term plan. We urgently need a strategy around how services are being reset and Cancer Focus NI has for some time been calling for a twin track health care system. We need reassurances around how cancer services will be protected going forward, particularly as Covid is likely to continue to impact on our health service on an ongoing basis.

 “The impact of delayed treatment on patients is devastating, compounded by all the other stresses associated with Covid, and our hearts go out to them.  Thankfully Cancer Focus NI has been able to continue to support patients throughout the pandemic via online therapeutic cancer support.  To find out more about how we can help support cancer patients and their families visit www.cancerfocusni.org/support.”

Margaret Carr, Cancer Research UK’s public affairs manager in Northern Ireland, said: “The reasons for this concerning drop in the number of people starting treatment for cancer are complex. However, we know it’s partly because people are putting off seeking help for cancer symptoms.

“Early diagnosis followed by swift access to the most effective treatment can be lifesaving. GPs are busy, but they want to hear from anyone who notices any changes to their body. It’s important concerning symptoms are checked out.

“The fall in the number of people starting treatment is also because health services in Northern Ireland are struggling the clear the backlog of patients waiting for tests, a long-standing problem that’s been made worse by the pandemic.

“To tackle this, urgent action is needed to train and employ more of the health professionals involved in delivering and interpreting the tests which can diagnose cancer.”