Cancer waiting times in Northern Ireland remain below targets
Date published:
New accredited official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Department of Health present cancer waiting times for the second quarter of 2025/26, covering the period from July to September 2025.
Key findings
- After a decision to treat, 88.0% of patients (2,499 of 2,841) were treated within the 31-day target, a small rise from 87.9% last quarter.
- Following an urgent GP referral, only 30.1% of patients (430 of 1,430) began treatment within the 62-day target, down from 32.5% the previous quarter.
- The Western HSC Trust had the highest share of patients starting treatment within 62 days at 36.9%. The lowest percentage was the South Eastern HSC Trust at 25.3%.
- Urgent breast cancer referrals saw long delays, with just 6.8% (183 of 2,699) seen within the 14-day target.
- There were 6,194 referrals received by HSC Trusts for suspected breast cancer, 85.7% of which marked urgent.
About the publication
This quarterly statistical release presents summary statistical information on cancer waiting times in Northern Ireland for the quarter July to September 2025.
The rollout of the ‘encompass’ system means some figures are classified as Official Statistics in Development and cannot be directly compared with older data. Users should be cautious when looking at trends.
Please note, breast cancer referrals statistics are not designated as Accredited Official Statistics.
Further information
Read the full report: Northern Ireland Cancer Waiting Time Statistics: Cancer Waiting Times July - September 2025
View the publication page and associated documents and tables: Northern Ireland waiting time statistics: cancer waiting times July - September 2025