Virgen del Rocío Hospital in Sevilla has seen a worrying increase this past year in the number of women waiting for a mammogram due to suspected cancer. While last autumn about 1,500 patients were in line, the number has now exceeded 2,400. The biggest surge is among those waiting more than a month just to get an exam date — nearly twice as many as before.
The average wait time for a diagnostic appointment has also risen: it’s now almost three months, even though Andalusian law requires a mammogram for suspected tumors to be carried out within 30 days of a doctor’s referral. In reality, even after receiving an appointment date, the exam itself may be scheduled several weeks or even months later.
Why is the line growing: Staff shortages and overload
The main reason for the current situation is a severe lack of staff in the radiology department. In recent years, the workload for specialists has only increased, but almost no new staff have been hired. As a result, some equipment sits unused and doctors are forced to work beyond their limits. Many have chosen to reduce their hours or have left for private clinics, which often offer better pay and conditions. Efforts to solve the problem by temporarily adding shifts and hiring extra staff have so far made little difference.
The surge in delays has coincided with a crisis in the breast cancer screening system across Andalusia. In particular, almost all patients affected by the preventive screening program failures are affiliated with Virgen del Rocío. Now, those already showing clinical signs of illness have been added to this group, further intensifying the situation.
Impact on Patients and Authorities’ Response
Delays in diagnostics are especially dangerous for women with clear symptoms, as their likelihood of being diagnosed with a malignant tumor is ten times higher than that of women undergoing routine screening. However, official statistics on waiting times for such examinations have not been published for several years, making it difficult to assess the scale of the problem or find solutions.
In response to the escalating situation, regional authorities announced emergency measures: expanding work shifts, bringing in additional specialists, and even restricting the right to strike for radiology staff. However, these steps sparked dissatisfaction among personnel, who believe their rights are being infringed upon and the workload is becoming unbearable.
Systemic Issues and Future Prospects
Experts note that the crisis at Virgen del Rocío is just part of a broader problem in Andalusia’s healthcare system. Staff shortages, funding cuts, and a lack of incentives to work in the public sector mean that even the largest and best-equipped hospitals are struggling to cope with patient demand. As a result, women suspected of having cancer are often forced to wait weeks, sometimes even months, for a diagnosis—risking valuable time in starting treatment.
