Only a small fraction of patients urgently referred for suspected breast cancer in Northern Ireland were seen within the recommended timeframe between July and September 2025, according to newly released figures from the Department of Health (DoH).
The data shows that just 183 out of 5,309 patients referred for an urgent breast cancer assessment were seen by a specialist within 14 days — equating to 3.5%. The 14-day benchmark is the government’s official target for urgent cancer referrals.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the poor performance reflects the early stages of transitioning to a new regional breast assessment service, while acknowledging that significant challenges remain. He noted that the 14-day target has never been met in Northern Ireland, prompting the move to reform the system.
“There is still more to do,” Nesbitt said, adding that while the figures are concerning, there has been “real progress” as the new model is implemented.
During the same quarter, 2,699 patients were seen from a total of 6,194 new referrals for suspected breast cancer, with urgent cases accounting for 85.7% of referrals. The DoH cautioned that referral figures may include duplicate cases, as some patients are transferred between health and social care trusts.
The department reported improvements later in the year, stating that between October and December 2025, an additional 928 red-flag appointment slots were delivered. As a result, the regional breast assessment waiting list was reduced from 12 weeks in September to just over seven weeks by mid-December.
However, delays were also evident further along the cancer care pathway. From July to September 2025, 1,430 patients in Northern Ireland began their first treatment following an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer, but only 30% — or 430 patients — started treatment within 62 days. The government’s draft target sets an expectation that at least 95% of patients should meet this standard.
Performance was stronger against the 31-day target from decision to treat, with 2,499 patients (88%) beginning treatment within that timeframe after urgent referral. While this marked an improvement on the previous quarter, it still fell short of the government’s 98% target.
Nesbitt said the transition to the regional breast assessment service, alongside the rollout of the Encompass digital system, had affected both the 14-day and 62-day referral targets during the reporting period. He described the impact as a short-term consequence of reform, stressing that the anticipated benefits would be long-term.
“Improving cancer performance remains a top priority,” he said.
Cancer Research UK was more critical of the figures. The charity’s director described the delays as unacceptable and urged immediate action to prevent further harm to patients.
“Investment is required, coupled with a clear plan and urgent improvements to boost clinical capacity and ultimately protect patients from harm,” said Naser Turubi.
