Two specialist clinics, aimed at reducing the time needed to diagnose cancer, have been opened by the Northern Ireland Department of Health as part of the announced in March a ten-year plan to combat the disease.

The reason for the opening of Rapid Diagnosis Centers at Whitabby Hospital in County Antrim and South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon. Patients with suspicious symptoms that are usually associated with the appearance of cancer will be admitted to special clinics.

These are the first rapid cancer diagnostic centers in Northern Ireland.

The ministry said patients referred to special centers will undergo specialized tests and receive results as soon as possible.

Also, the clinician of the Express Diagnostic Center will refer the patient to the appropriate department with qualified doctors, depending on the necessary treatment.

Health Secretary Peter May said this is an important step forward in our ability to diagnose the most difficult-to-find cancers and is a key step in the Department’s Cancer Control strategy.

“What we need to keep is that these centers provide the opportunity for faster diagnosis and faster treatment,” he added.

Heather Monteverde, professional adviser to the Department of Health, said the centers will give general practitioners access to a fast-track clinic for people with vague symptoms that general practitioners suspect may be cancer.

“Not only will they provide better diagnostic services for patients and general practitioners, but they will also be more efficient,” she added.

A source: BBC