Breast cancer patients face longer wait times after imaging facility closure in Cairns

Breast cancer patients in Far North Queensland are expected to face longer wait times after the “temporary” closure of an imaging facility in Cairns.

Breast cancer patients in Far North Queensland could be waiting more than a month for crucial diagnostic imaging after the closure of a key facility.

Breast cancer patients in Far North Queensland could be waiting more than a month to be diagnosed after the “temporary” closure of a key facility.

Private radiology provider, Queensland X-ray, will no longer provide breast screening appointments in Cairns, leaving I-MED Radiology as the only screening facility in the region.

Dr Aemelia Melloy, who specialises in breast surgery, said with one service covering the “vast area” from Cairns to the Cape, it could mean “the difference between a curable and incurable cancer”.

“I worry about women who have worrying symptoms for breast cancer facing delays,” she said.

Surgeon Dr Aemelia Melloy specialises in breast surgery and is concerned that the inevitable delays caused by the lack of screening options will place her patients at significant risk. Picture: Brendan Radke

Women in Far North Queensland suspected of having breast cancer are facing wait times of up to four weeks for imaging and biopsy.

But with the closure of screening services at Queensland X-ray, those wait times are expected to increase significantly.

I-MED will need to accommodate the entire Far North region, including the islands.

“While we are trying our best in the public hospital, the reality is that some women may have to wait longer, which could be disastrous,” Dr Melloy said.

Queensland X Ray will no longer provide breast mammography, imaging or biopsy services to Cairns patients, halving the number of screening services available and causing delays that could place some patients at risk. Picture: Brendan Radke

Dr Melloy said Queensland X-ray had done their “very best” to maintain the service, but the issue appeared to be a shortage of available professionals, not a lack of funding.

“They’ve been trying for some time to fill the positions, but it just wasn’t possible,” she said.

“They have been fly radiologists up from Brisbane to fill the service for quite some time, to help the community.”

With no breast screening facilities north of Cairns, experts are concerned I-MED, now covering a larger catchment area, could be stretched beyond its capacity.

“We’re looking at maybe sending women down to Brisbane and Townsville to have imaging if the wait is too long,” Dr Melloy said.

Generic photo to illustrate breast exam for breast cancer. Picture: iStock

The Cairns-based surgeon said treatment for breast cancer often had better results when detected early, meaning delays in diagnosis were particularly concerning.

“It’s an inequitable situation for women who are already under great emotional stress, not everyone has the funds to travel south,” she said.

She added these longer wait times could exacerbate the emotional strain patients already experience.

“Waiting to know if you have cancer is incredibly stressful, for many women it can feel like a lifetime,” she said.

“Now, the waiting period could become even longer, which is terrifying.”

Example image of a woman getting a mammogram, breast cancer check. File photo. Supplied.

According to Dr Melloy, the Cairns Hospital is working on strategies to try and help alleviate the pressure on the system, including potentially sending patients south for imaging or providing travel allowances.

“We are trying to ensure women don’t have to wait longer than necessary, but the key really is early detection,“ she said.

“If women notice any concerning symptoms, they need to see their GP as soon as possible. Early intervention is vital.”

The closure of the imaging facility and the resulting strain on resources highlight a growing healthcare challenge in regional areas, where access to specialised services is already limited, Dr Melloy said.

Dr Melloy urged the community to “act swiftly” if they experience any breast symptoms.

“If you notice a lump, pain, or changes in your breast, don’t delay,” she said.

“See your general practitioner and get referred for imaging and start the process as soon as possible.”

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service does not manage diagnostic breast imaging services with it being outsourced to private providers to balance the demand on imaging services for inpatient and emergency diagnostic needs.

CHHHS chief executive Leena Singh said Queensland X-Ray had kept the hospital updated about the temporary reduction in their breast cancer diagnostic imaging service.

Queensland X-Ray provides women’s imaging services in Townsville, Mackay, Toowoomba, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

A spokesman said the service had been suspended in Cairns “until we can recruit at least one permanent doctor in Cairns”.

“We are actively trying to recruit additional women’s imaging radiologists state-wide however there are very few radiologists interested … We remain hopeful that the suspension of service in Cairns is temporary.”

Originally published as Breast cancer patients face longer wait times after imaging facility closure in Cairns