Recent data highlighted by Radiotherapy UK shows that just 30.1% of cancer patients in Northern Ireland are receiving treatment on time, far short of the 95% target. The figures also show that only 430 out of 1,430 patients began treatment within the recommended timeframe following an urgent GP referral, underlining the scale of delays across the cancer pathway.

The warning follows a meeting today with Professor Mark Lawler, Professor of Digital Health at Queen’s University Belfast and Chair of the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership, who is leading efforts to improve cancer outcomes through better use of high-quality, timely data.

Carla Lockhart MP said:

“These figures are stark, disturbing and indefensible. Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a life put on hold. Cancer does not wait and neither should patients. I have lifted the lid on delays in urgent breast cancer red flag appointments and that is only the tip of the iceberg. Across Northern Ireland, patients are facing unacceptable waits for diagnosis and treatment and this is having real and lasting consequences.

“My meeting today with Professor Mark Lawler reinforced just how critical accurate, timely data is if we are serious about improving cancer outcomes. Without proper data intelligence, delays are hidden, accountability is weakened and patients suffer. Northern Ireland cannot continue to operate in the dark while outcomes fall further behind.

“While England has today announced a bold 10 year strategy with free travel support for cancer patients attending radiotherapy and treatment appointments as part of its ten-year cancer strategy, patients here are once again being left behind. I have written to the Health Minister calling for the same support to be introduced in Northern Ireland because travel costs, accessibility and distance to treatment centres place additional strain on people already facing the fight of their lives.

“There will be Barnett consequentials arising from the new cancer funding announced in England and that money must be ring-fenced specifically for cancer care in Northern Ireland. We need targeted investment to reduce waiting lists, expand diagnostic capacity, improve access to radiotherapy, strengthen community support and address workforce pressures. These are not optional extras. They are essential if we are serious about improving outcomes and saving lives.

“This is not a reflection on the dedication of our NHS staff who continue to go above and beyond under immense pressure. This is a failure of the system. Patients deserve timely access to scans, diagnostics and treatment and they deserve practical support to get to appointments without additional financial hardship.

“Cancer touches almost every family in Northern Ireland. We cannot accept a system where delays become the norm and poorer outcomes are tolerated. The current status quo is not acceptable. I will continue to press the Health Minister for urgent reform and to fight for the changes that patients and families desperately need and deserve.”