To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of patients red flagged for breast cancer assessment who have waited longer than the 14-day target in each of the last 12 months, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.

The numbers of patients waiting more than 14 days following urgent breast cancer referrals, by Health and Social Care Trust, are published on a quarterly basis in the ‘Northern Ireland Cancer Waiting Times’ statistics bulletin. The most recent figures are included on the ‘14 Day Wait - Breast Cancer’ worksheet of the associated ‘Cancer Waiting Times Statistics by HSC Trust and Tumour Site January – March 2025’ Excel file on the Department’s website at:

https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/cancer-waiting-times

Please note Red Flag breast assessments are equivalent to urgent breast cancer referrals.

I acknowledge that the current waiting times for red flag breast cancer are lengthy and growing for adults across Northern Ireland. This situation has arisen due to several factors, including funding that falls short of objectively assessed need and previous missed opportunities to reform health and social care delivery. I am committed to addressing this, subject to available funding.