The hospitals in Northern Ireland are falling to meet the target times for the treatment of cancer patients. The survey was conducted by the Department of Health (DOH).

The statistics of the hospital reveal that in October, 93.7% of patients received the treatment within the targeted time, in November, 99% met the target and in December 99.6% were seen within the targeted time.

Thousands of people are diagnosed with cancer every year. Failure to meet the targeted time could affect the lives of many of them. Early diagnosis and treatment is the only cure of the deadly disease. Cancer occurs as a result of mutations in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy.

Including other forms of the cancer, the DOH has also found the waiting time for the treatment of breast cancer has also increased. The target waiting time for the first appointment with a breast cancer specialist should be 14 days. About 90% of the breast cancer incidences arise due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the ageing process. Early screening and diagnosis could help in surviving the disease.