Public patients ‘lack direct access to cancer tests’

More than 90% of GPs can refer patients with suspected cancers directly for diagnostic tests if those patients can pay privately, but the proportion slumps to just 10% of some cancers if the patients have to go on public waiting lists.

Direct access to diagnostics for all patients is number one on GPs’ wish-lists says the Irish Cancer Society/Irish College of General Practitioners report.

Access to 11 diagnostic tests was examined and the rates did not fall below 89% for private patients.