Minister Nesbitt acknowledges improvements in breast assessment service

Date published: 2 April 2026

Today’s statistics (Quarter ending December 2025) reflect progress and highlight the benefits of the new regional breast assessment service which launched last year.

Key areas which show a marked improvement include a 44.6% increase in the number of patients seen by a breast cancer specialist following an urgent referral, 3,902 patients in this quarter compared to 2,699 in the previous.  The statistics also point to a rising demand with 6,658 referrals received by the trusts for suspect breast cancer, compared with 6,194 last quarter. More generally across all cancers, the figures show ongoing improvement in the number of patients starting cancer treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat, 90.1%, 2965, compared to 88%, 2,499 in the previous quarter.

Minister Nesbitt commended the collective work of the Health Trusts in tackling waiting lists, saying:  “While my department continues to strive to build on these improvements, I would like to assure the public that the implementation of the regional breast assessment system is delivering positive results for patients.  The regional model now ensures patients are offered the earliest available appointment anywhere in Northern Ireland, which is the right approach for cancer care. I acknowledge that we are still some way short of the ambitious 14-day target, but I fully expect the long-term position to continue to improve as waiting times fall and the number of patients assessed increases. 

“We are seeing positive results from additional weekend and evening clinics.  Latest performance information shows the current waiting time for a breast assessment is now 5 weeks and 2 days, a substantial improvement from the peak waiting time of 12 weeks in September 2025.  

“There is more to be done, and I recognise that too many women are still waiting too long for this essential service.  I am determined to support this work and, earlier this year, announced £5 million recurrent funding under the Elective Care Framework to reform the breast assessment service, implementing a modern consultant-led model supported by skilled practitioners.

“While today’s figures cover a transitional period of reform, they indicate a downward trajectory in waiting times, a sign we are heading in the right direction. I commend the collective efforts of healthcare staff in their determination to deliver real results for patients.”