Health Minister Mike Nesbitt welcomed progress in breast cancer assessment services after new statistics for the quarter ending December 2025 showed increases in patients seen by specialists. Trusts handled 3,902 urgent referrals for suspected breast cancer, up 44.6% from 2,699 in the prior quarter. Referrals rose to 6,658 from 6,194.

The regional breast assessment service, launched last year, offers patients the earliest available appointment across Northern Ireland. Current waiting time stands at five weeks and two days, down from a peak of 12 weeks in September 2025. Weekend and evening clinics contributed to the reduction.

Across all cancers, 90.1% of patients, or 2,965 individuals, began treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat, compared to 88% or 2,499 previously. Nesbitt noted the service remains below the 14-day target but expects further declines in waits.

Earlier this year, Nesbitt allocated £5 million in recurrent funding under the Elective Care Framework for a consultant-led breast assessment model. He credited health trusts for their work on waiting lists.

Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister criticised the Department of Health, stating only 6% of urgent breast cancer referrals receive specialist assessment within 14 days. Some patients wait over 10 weeks. McAllister warned that clinicians working overtime risk burnout, potentially worsening delays.