Mary (not her real name), who was red-flagged by her GP last week, told BBC News NI she expects to wait at least five weeks to be seen. “I don't know when I'm going to receive a letter that will give me a date,” she said on The Nolan Show.

The delays have emerged since the introduction of a new regional system for handling red flag referrals. Previously, each health trust managed its own cases, but under the new system, patients are meant to access the earliest available appointment regardless of location. While the initiative aimed to reduce postcode disparities, some breast cancer consultants say waiting times have “spiralled” in recent months.

In May, the Western Trust saw all red flag referrals within 14 days, but following the rollout, some patients now wait up to seven weeks. Latest data shows 250 patients have waited longer than two weeks for an appointment, with more than 1,100 people currently on the red flag list. Sources warn waiting lists could reach 11 weeks by the end of September.

Mary, who had been on hormone replacement therapy, described the delays as “very frustrating” and said they have disrupted her treatment and increased her anxiety. “My age and the fact that I'm on HRT put me at higher risk,” she said. “All my symptoms that the HRT was managing, that's all not in place anymore. It’s terrible.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt introduced the regional initiative in May to tackle “unacceptable” waiting times and ensure equitable access across trusts. While some patients can now attend appointments in other trusts, not all can travel or attend weekend sessions.

Department of Health sources acknowledge that summer leave among medics and varying staffing levels have affected the scheme’s rollout. BBC News NI has sought comment from all health trusts and the Department of Health.