The federal government has joined the call for action, agreeing to meet with Queensland Health

The federal government has joined the call for action, agreeing to meet with Queensland Health to tackle the long wait times for diagnostic mammograms in Far North Queensland.

Federal government joins to call to reduce breast cancer delays. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The federal government has agreed to meet with the private sector and the Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association to tackle the long wait times for diagnostic mammograms in Far North Queensland.

Delays blew out to four months after the critical service was impacted last year when one of only two providers servicing Cairns to The Cape stopped offering mammographic services.

Private provider Queensland X-Ray “temporarily” suspended its diagnostic breast screening services in November 2024 because it could not find a permanent radiologist who sub-specialises in women’s imaging.

I-MED Radiology is now the only screening facility operating in Cairns, as has a large catchment area to cover from Cairns to the Cape. Picture: Brendan Radke

Australian Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler said women in regional Australia face health challenges due to distance and remote locations.

“We know women living in regional Australia face greater health challenges because of the tyranny of distance,” he said.

“This is why I have requested my department to meet with the Queensland Department of Health to discuss a way forward on this matter.”

I-MED Radiology is now the only screening facility operating in Cairns.

Female patient receiving breast scan, radiographer looking at medical image on screen

He said the meeting would hopefully finding a way forward.

“Australian women should have equitable access to health services including breast screenings no matter where they live,” Mr Butler said.

The Department of Health and Aged Care will be meeting with ADIA, in addition to a separate meeting with I-MED, next week.

A spokesman for the department of health said ADIA represents private radiology practices across Australia which includes I-MED and Sonic Healthcare Group.

“Queensland X-Ray is part of the Sonic Healthcare group,” the spokesman said.

It comes after the Queensland's, Health Minister Tim Nicholls, said on January 26 his department would meet with Queensland X-Ray to discuss possible solutions.

“Upon being made aware of the temporary closure, I instructed Queensland Health to contact Queensland X-Ray,” Mr Nicholls said.

He said the meeting, to take place this week, was to better understand the issues in more detail and consider what actions could be taken.

“While Queensland X-Ray’s business decisions are outside my control, I want to assure the community the Queensland government takes this matter seriously,” Mr Nicholls said.

The state’s health minister also said Queensland continues to be impacted by critical shortages of radiologists. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

The Cairns Hospital does not have any mammography equipment or offer breast diagnostic services.

It’s understood the hospital has one MRI machine, which is not used for breast scans, meaning Cairns heavily relies on the private sector.

The state's health minister also said Queensland continues to be impacted by critical shortages of radiologists, however, said people should still be able to access diagnostic imaging in a timely manner.

“People should be able to access diagnostic imaging services and receive results in a timely manner.

“I am committed to working with my federal, state and territory counterparts on how best to address these workforce shortages.”

The Cairns Post last week launched Critical Condition, calling on state and federal governments to help reinstate the crucial service.

Originally published as The federal government has joined the call for action, agreeing to meet with Queensland Health