endoscopy

More than 2,700 people waiting for urgent bowel cancer test

More than 2,700 people are waiting for an urgent bowel cancer test the latest figures show, with Covid-19 piling additional pressure on an already under-resourced service.

  • Urgent action needed as waiting list for colonoscopy reaches worrying levels
  • Covid-19 has put additional pressure on under-resourced endoscopy services
  • More than 18,800 people waiting for colonoscopy at the end of May

More than 2,700 people are waiting for an urgent bowel cancer test the latest figures show, with Covid-19 piling additional pressure on an already under-resourced service.

The Irish Cancer Society is calling for urgent action to ensure that people are not left waiting for this important cancer test, which could lead to a delayed diagnosis.

CEO of the Society, Averil Power, said, “More than 2,700 people are waiting for an urgent colonoscopy, with more than 1,300 people waiting longer than the target of 28 days for a test and more than 300 people waiting for more than 90 days.

“These are people who need a colonoscopy because they have shown certain symptoms. Thousands more are considered non-urgent and are facing unacceptable wait times also.

“It is crucially important that people are diagnosed early to make sure they have the best chance of survival and a higher quality of life after cancer.

“We have been concerned for some time about the underfunding and under-resourcing of the endoscopy services in Ireland – and now due to the pandemic things have reached a critical point.

 “It is unrealistic and utterly unacceptable to expect that endoscopy services can catch up with this urgent demand with their current funding, staffing and resources, especially at a time when units will be operating at a reduced capacity in order to meet public health guidelines.

“The Irish Cancer Society is urging the Government to:

  • Provide additional resources, including physical space
  • Provide additional staff and extended hours of operation where appropriate
  • Maximise all available capacity in the public and private systems
  • Fully fund the Action Plan on Endoscopy”

Dr Anthony O’Connor, a Consultant Gastroenterologist, said, “People who require an urgent colonoscopy should be seen in 28 days under best practice. This is not happening for too many people and many more people will be left waiting for far too long unless we see steps taken now. The longer people have to wait the greater risk we are taking with their outcome if they are found to have cancer.

“The entire health system is playing catch up due to covid-19 but endoscopy was already behind – this is why we need to see investment including the recruitment of more triage nurses and the expansion of non-invasive testing, including FIT and Calprotectin for appropriate patients.”

  • Waiting for this procedure can cause significant distress. Anyone in need of support can contact our Support Line on 1800 200 700.