New data has revealed that patients in Newcastle who receive a positive bowel cancer screening result are facing wait times for a follow-up colonoscopy that exceed recommended clinical guidelines, raising concerns about potential impacts on early detection and patient outcomes.
Median Wait Exceeds 'Desirable' Timeframe
Information obtained under Government Information Public Access (GIPA) laws shows the median wait time for a colonoscopy through the Newcastle Direct Access Colonoscopy (DAC) clinic at John Hunter Hospital is 34 days. This clinic is the pathway for patients referred after a positive result from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Julien Wiggins, chief executive of Bowel Cancer Australia, said the figures are "a cause for concern" as they appear to exceed the state's recommended clinical priority categories. "The median wait time means 50 per cent of people are waiting up to 34 days to have a colonoscopy via DAC, but 50 per cent of people are waiting longer," Mr Wiggins explained. "It isn't clear how long."
Under NSW Colonoscopy Categorisation criteria, a colonoscopy within 30 days is considered 'desirable' for a patient with a positive screening test. However, for asymptomatic patients under 50, a wait of up to 90 days is deemed acceptable.
Delays Risk Early Detection and Increase Anxiety
Mr Wiggins emphasised the critical importance of timely follow-up, noting that almost 99 per cent of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated when detected at the earliest stage. "Yet the opportunity for early detection is lost if people do not receive a timely colonoscopy," he warned.
He also highlighted the human cost of the delays, stating that prolonged wait times "contribute to unnecessary stress and anxiety" for patients who are left in limbo, not knowing if cancer is the cause of their positive test. "Delayed diagnosis can lead to delayed treatment. Delayed treatment can lead to poorer outcomes," Mr Wiggins said. He called for wait times to be reduced "from months to weeks to days" to ensure the best health outcomes for Newcastle residents.
The DAC service at John Hunter Hospital sees about 550 people each year. Julie Tait, the hospital's executive general manager, said the DAC streamlines the process by identifying suitable patients and referring them directly for the procedure, bypassing an initial specialist consultation.
Ms Tait acknowledged that the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, while a major success in improving early detection, has "significantly increased demand for colonoscopy services." She assured that patients with suspected cancer receive the highest priority and are seen as soon as possible.
A Patient's Perspective: Efficient Care in a Strained System
The personal impact of these system pressures was illustrated by Swansea resident Rachel Rizk, 55, who was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer this year after a positive screening test.
Having dropped her private health cover due to cost, Ms Rizk entered the public system and received her colonoscopy within two weeks of her positive result—a timeframe she acknowledged was relatively swift. She praised the hospital's organisation and the efficiency of her surgery at John Hunter.
However, her experience on the ward highlighted systemic strains. She described an environment made uncomfortable by "the amount of people, stress, noise and clutter," and noted the challenge of mixed-gender wards sharing toilets, which she found "a bit awkward" given the nature of her condition.
Reflecting on the broader issue of wait times, Ms Rizk expressed concern for others. "If it's done too late, it could be detrimental," she said, underscoring the vital link between timely intervention and patient prognosis.
