Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has highlighted positive progress in breast cancer assessment following the publication of the latest cancer waiting time figures for the quarter ending December 2025. The data demonstrates the early impact of the new regional breast assessment service, which allows patients to be offered the first available appointment at any site across Northern Ireland.

According to the statistics, there has been a 44.6% increase in the number of patients seen by a specialist after an urgent referral, rising from 2,699 in the previous quarter to 3,902. This improvement comes despite a surge in demand, with 6,658 referrals for suspected breast cancer received this quarter compared to 6,194 previously.

Broader cancer care figures also show an upward trend, with 90.1% of patients (2,965 individuals) starting treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat, up from 88% (2,499 individuals) in the last quarter. Minister Nesbitt said: "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."

The Minister noted that while progress is being made, many women still face unacceptable delays. To address this, he recently announced £5 million in recurrent funding under the Elective Care Framework to support a modern, consultant-led model.

Minister Nesbitt concluded: "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."