Northern Ireland faces worsening cancer treatment delays, risking up to 20,000 patients missing the 62-day target, with death risk rising.

Cancer waiting times in Northern Ireland are expected to deteriorate over the next five years, with up to 20,000 people potentially missing the 62-day treatment target after a suspected cancer referral, according to Cancer Research UK. The charity warns delays—already the worst in the UK—could increase death risk by 6–8% for some cancers, as only 30.1% of urgent referrals start treatment on time. Over 15,400 patients have missed the target in the past five years, and healthcare staff remain under severe strain. A breast cancer survivor and a woman with oesophageal cancer shared personal experiences of long waits and swift care, highlighting disparities. The Northern Ireland Department of Health acknowledges the crisis and is working to address systemic issues.