NI health: Cancer patient says recovery was due to no treatment delay

A Northern Ireland cancer patient says prompt diagnosis and treatment helped her recovery; Cancer Research UK warns many other patients face long waiting lists and has called for emergency measures to protect patient safety.

A Northern Ireland cancer patient says prompt treatment helped her recovery. She first noticed symptoms in December 2023 and saw a GP in March. She received a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer in May and began treatment in July. Her pathway from first doctor contact to a treatment plan took five months, which she says made a difference. Key points: - Jennifer Dummigan noticed initial symptoms in December 2023. - She visited a GP in March, was diagnosed in May and started treatment in July. - From first contact with a doctor to a treatment plan, five months elapsed in her case. - Cancer Research UK reports that many people in Northern Ireland face long waiting lists and has warned emergency measures are needed to protect patient safety. Summary: One patient's relatively quick diagnosis and treatment contrasts with wider data showing long waits for many people in Northern Ireland. Cancer Research UK has said emergency measures are needed to protect patient safety. Undetermined at this time.