Home / Health / Cancer Scans Delayed: Patients on 'Knife-Edge'
Cancer Scans Delayed: Patients on 'Knife-Edge'
8 Sep
Summary
- Seven-year cancer fighter John McClean cites dangerously long scan result wait times.
- Northern Ireland faces radiologist shortages, sending scans to Australia for analysis.
- Campaigners urge a 15% reduction in cancer deaths by 2040, citing prevention strategies.
John McClean, a 51-year-old who has been fighting incurable cancer for seven years, has highlighted the "dangerously long" waiting times for scan results, stating that patients are "constantly on a knife-edge." These extended delays are exacerbated in Northern Ireland due to a shortage of radiologists, necessitating scans to be sent to Australia for analysis.
Campaigners, survivors, and experts convened at Stormont to advocate for the executive to commit to a 15% reduction in the cancer death rate by 2040. The 'Longer Better Lives' campaign, launched on Tuesday, suggests this target could prevent approximately 5,900 cancer deaths by 2040. Key recommendations include addressing long cancer waiting times, implementing targeted lung screening, and extending the bowel screening program.
Cancer Research UK is urging Northern Ireland's political parties to prioritize cancer services. They advocate for policies such as the Tobacco and Vapes Act, enhanced smoking cessation support, and increased HPV vaccination uptake. The charity also calls for minimum unit pricing on alcohol and restrictions on unhealthy food promotions.
The Department of Health acknowledges that cancer waiting times are not ideal but states that work is underway to improve performance. They have allocated an additional £80 million for waiting list and elective care capacity. However, the absence of a three-year budget hinders long-term transformation efforts.
