Stalemate Stormont to blame for another “worst ever performance” for bowel cancer waiting times

Nearly 9 in 10 people (84%) living in Northern Ireland with bowel cancer symptoms continue to face serious delays getting diagnosed for the country’s second biggest cancer killer.

We believe the lack of political leadership at Stormont is contributing to this problem.

Figures published by Northern Ireland’s Department of Health show only 16% of suspected bowel cancer patients are seen within the 62-day target from April to June 2023 for a confirmed diagnosis and then, if necessary, start treatment. This is 3% lower than the previous worst ever quarter (19%) and 2% lower than this time last year (18%).

The country’s waiting times for tests that can diagnose bowel cancer is severely lagging behind the rest of the UK. In the same time period (April to June 2023), 65% living in Scotland were seen within the 62-day target, in England 41% of patients and in Wales 37%.

The data published today also illustrates that although too many people are waiting to be diagnosed for bowel cancer, once they're diagnosed, they start treatment quickly. 98% of bowel cancer patients should begin treatment within 31 days from their diagnosis, and figures for April to June show that target is close to being reached (95%).

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in Northen Ireland with nearly 1,200 people diagnosed every year in the country, and it’s the second biggest cancer killer. However, it shouldn’t be because it’s treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.

Bowel Cancer UK is bringing together leaders from all political parties in Northern Ireland as well as MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly), civil servants, cancer charities, and political and health spokespeople. They will hear from speakers including researchers, clinicians, patients about the impact of a stalemate assembly on bowel cancer services, patients and their families on Monday 16 October 2023 at Stormont Parliament, Belfast.

Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, says: “Today’s waiting times for bowel cancer tests has surpassed last quarter’s worst ever performance in Northern Ireland. As we stand witness to this dire situation, it becomes painfully evident that the stalemate political leadership at Stormont needs to be resolved.

“We’re almost 18 months from the launch of the desperately needed NI Cancer Strategy but because there is no Executive to fund the recommendations, it’s been left to rot. And patients and their families are paying a heavy price as these long waiting times are forcing hard working NHS staff to share the news with their patients that they’ve been diagnosed at a later stage when the disease is harder to treat and less chance of a cure.

“It is our collective responsibility to demand an Executive, to properly fund the NI Cancer Strategy and to prioritise early diagnosis for bowel cancer patients when the disease is easier to treat.”

• Read more about our campaign on ending the capacity crisis in NHS bowel cancer diagnostic services
• Read our new five-year strategy that aims to ensure more people are diagnosed at the earliest stages when the disease is easier to treat
• Learn more about our work in Northern Ireland