To ask the Minister of Health, following publication of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry's April 2026 report Routes to Diagnosis, to detail (i) how the findings relating to gynaecological cancers are informing cancer policy and service planning; and (ii) any steps being taken to increase the proportion of gynaecological cancers identified through timely referral and investigation.

(i) The findings of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry’s Routes to Diagnosis report are informing implementation of the Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy, particularly work to support earlier diagnosis, reduce emergency presentations and strengthen referral and diagnostic pathways. The report highlights that cancers diagnosed through suspected cancer referral pathways are more likely to be identified at an earlier stage and have better outcomes than those diagnosed following emergency presentation. These findings are being considered alongside regional service data to inform pathway reviews, service planning and capacity assessments across gynaecological cancer services.

(ii) A range of actions are being progressed to support earlier diagnosis and increase the proportion of gynaecological cancers identified through timely referral and investigation. These include public-awareness activity through the Public Health Agency’s Be Cancer Aware programme and targeted gynaecological cancer awareness campaigns; a review of regional suspected cancer referral guidance for gynaecological cancers, including post-menopausal bleeding and ovarian cancer pathways; continued support for the Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme, which plays an important role in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer; and an assessment of workforce and diagnostic capacity requirements to ensure services can support timely investigation and diagnosis.

Regional work is also underway through the Northern Ireland Cancer Network Cancer Programme Team, and the Regional Health and Social Care (HSC) Gynaecology Forum to review pathways, assess future demand and identify opportunities to improve access, capacity and patient flow across both cancer and wider gynaecology services. Collectively, these actions aim to support earlier diagnosis, increase diagnosis through appropriate referral pathways and reduce diagnoses following emergency presentation.