It comes following the publication of the new figures from the Department of Health, including that of the 6,194 referrals to breast cancer screening services classified as ‘urgent’, only 3.5% were seen within the targeted 14 days.

Ms McAllister has said: “Whilst it is encouraging that more patients are beginning their treatment earlier than they were before, it’s difficult to think of this as any kind of victory when the reality is that far too many people are clearly still waiting far longer than they should be.

“Waiting times are still falling far below targets, and this is most acute in breast cancer services. It’s completely unacceptable that patients are facing a median wait time of eight weeks, some even waiting almost ten, to be seen following what should be an ‘urgent’ referral.

“Receiving the news that you are to be referred for an urgent breast cancer screening is already such a highly distressing experience, for many it’ll be the one of the most daunting things they’ve ever faced. Being left to wait weeks or months to be seen by a specialist, dealing with the anxiety and uncertainty of living in limbo, is unacceptable.

“Shifting to a regional approach can ensure patients are seen at the earliest opportunity regardless of their location. The Health Minister and Health Trusts must guarantee that this move is carried out effectively and efficiently, and that it’s having a real-life impact for patients.

“We appreciate that we are currently in a transition process following the move to this regional approach, however patients do not have time to waste and all must be done to bring these waiting lists down urgently.”