Wait of up to 9 months for bowel cancer tests

PATIENTS are having to wait up to nine months for bowel cancer tests, instead of within six weeks of seeing their GP, research shows.

The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) is urging patients waiting more than three months to contact the National Treatment Purchase Fund to arrange to be tested in a private hospital free of charge.

The ICS also highlighted the need for more consultants and extended colonoscopy clinics to reduce waiting times.