THE number of patients in Wales waiting more than eight weeks for diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy “borders on the scandalous” claims a cancer charity boss.

At the end of February, almost four-in-10 patients awaiting a colonoscopy had waited longer than eight weeks – 1,176 out of 2,964 – according to the latest Welsh Government figures, with nearly 700 of these having waited more than 14 weeks.

And for flexible sigmoidoscopy, close to 30 per cent of people on the waiting list – 693 out of 2,356 – had waited longer than eight weeks, including more than 300 beyond 14 weeks.

In Wales, diagnostic tests are not subject to targets but operational standards, with the maximum wait meant to be eight weeks.

In Gwent, a lower percentage of patients than the Welsh average had by February 28, been waiting longer than eight weeks in the case of each test.

But more than a quarter (28 per cent) of those awaiting a colonoscopy and 15 per cent awaiting a flexible sigmoidoscopy in Gwent had waited longer than eight weeks, a total of 198 patients.

The above tests, said Bowel Cancer UK chief executive Deborah Alsina, can detect cancer at the earliest, more treatable, stage and can also help prevent cancer through the removal of polyps during the procedure.

“These figures are bordering on scandalous,” said Ms Alsina, who added that nine out of 10 people survive bowel cancer if diagnosed in the earliest stages, making timely access to tests crucial.

“We know demand for endoscopy is only going to get higher, so there’s an urgent need to ensure units have the capacity needed to meet that demand. This is essential if more people are to be diagnosed early.”

Health minister Mark Drakeford has agreed to make £2m available for health boards to improve tests waiting times.