Kevin Daynes comes out of retirement to help Cairns women facing breast cancer diagnostic test delays

A senior radiologist from Far North Queensland has come out of retirement to help cut down the four-month backlog of critical diagnostic breast tests in Cairns, offering vital support to women facing long delays for essential screenings.

Retired radiologist returns to help reduce breast cancer wait times. Picture: Brendan Radke

A respected Far North Queensland senior radiologist has come out of retirement to help save women's lives after they were forced to wait up to four months for critical diagnostic breast tests in Cairns.

Kevin Daynes, now 73, said he first learned of the dire situation when he read Cairns Post articles covering the extensive wait times women in regional areas were facing.

“I just couldn’t stand the thought of local women waiting for something so important,” he said.

“When I read about the backlogs, I just knew I had to do something about it.”

Kevin Daynes has come out of retirement to help Cairns women facing test delays. Picture: Brendan Radke

Far North residents were forced to wait up to four months after Queensland X-Ray, one of only two private providers in Far North Queensland, temporarily stopped diagnostic mammography services in November 2024.

This left only one private provider, I-MED Radiology, offering the service, covering women’s diagnostic imaging from Cairns to the Cape.

The Queensland X Ray medical imaging services on Lake Street, Cairns city. Picture: Brendan Radke

Dr Daynes said he felt a personal connection to the cause, driven by his extensive background in breast diagnostics, his love for Cairns and his belief every woman deserved timely and accurate care.

“Every lady who finds a new lump, thinks she’s got breast cancer and thinks she’s going to die tomorrow... Anything you can do to relieve those sensations or feelings is a good thing,” he said.

“I have always wanted to give women the peace of mind they need and deserve, and I believe in giving back to the community.”

Queensland X-Ray had previously been rotating experienced women’s imaging radiologists from Brisbane to Cairns every second week before the temporary suspension.

However, following the Cairns Post Critical Condition campaign, which called on state and federal governments to restore the service, Queensland X-Ray announced the appointment of Dr Daynes to begin at the practice on March, 3.

“It’s about making sure we can save lives by doing things properly and on time,” he said.

As the founder of Cairns Women’s Imaging, a practice he started in 2010 which was later acquired by I-MED Radiology, Dr Daynes has always been deeply committed to improving the lives of his patients, particularly women battling breast cancer.

“I moved to Australia in 2003 to take up the challenge of developing breast programs here in Cairns and other regional areas,” he said.

“I’ve been in the breast imaging world for over 40 years now... I’ve seen everything you can imagine, from extremely difficult cases to the most rewarding ones.

“But it’s not just about the tests, it’s about providing the right care at the right time, I’m here to help, for as long as I can.”

The I-MED Radiology Network building on Sheridan Street. Picture: Brendan Radke

With more than 40 years of experience in breast imaging, Dr Daynes has faced numerous challenging cases, but finds the rewarding outcomes for patients deeply fulfilling.

Although his time at I-MED Radiology ended controversially in May 2022 after his dismissal from the Cairns clinic following allegations of inappropriate behaviour at a Christmas party, Dr Daynes denied the claims, explaining his actions were part of a demonstration of the haka and he had been misinterpreted.

He sought legal action for wrongful dismissal, initially seeking $5m in damages and was ultimately awarded $348,179.96 in costs after the ruling on the case.

The judge said the claims did not amount to “serious misconduct” and therefore, the clinic was not justified in terminating Dr Daynes.

Senior radiologist Dr Kevin Daynes has come out of retirement to help clear the backlog of Cairns breast screening patients, who have in some cases have been waiting four months for diagnostic mammography services. Picture: Brendan Radke

Dr Daynes said he remains focused on his work in radiology, particularly breast health, and declined to discuss the matter further.

“My work in breast health is my passion, and that’s what I’m focused on now,” he said.

Today, he is focused on making a positive impact in Cairns, helping to alleviate the strain on regions healthcare services and offering his expertise to improve the lives of women facing health challenges.

“These women deserve the best, and I’m here to make sure they get the care they need.”

“I always remember a woman I was able to give good news to... her breast lump was benign and she just burst into tears and said, ‘I don’t know how to thank you for telling me that’ And I said, ‘You don’t have to thank me, you’ve got your life, that’s enough’.”

Originally published as Kevin Daynes comes out of retirement to help Cairns women facing breast cancer diagnostic test delays