Pensioner's fears after waiting five months for cancer screening

Graham Wilson, 69, has beaten cancer before, but he fears it's a battle he may have to fight again.

In February, an at-home bowel cancer screening test returned a positive result.

More than five months on, the Adelaide pensioner is yet to receive a proper diagnosis, despite, he says, being classified as urgent by his GP.

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"I've done all the chasing up that I possibly can do and I'm not getting anywhere," he said.

"I spoke to a lady on the phone ... 'oh you're on the urgent list we'll write to you'."

Adding to the Seaview Downs man's frustration, he claims it's taken five doctors' referrals to get on the waiting list at Flinders Medical Centre where he'll be screened for cancer.

Wilson is now considering going to a private hospital to get screened, which could cost the pensioner $1500 

According to SA Health or the government's guidelines people should be seen within four months.

"We do have fears that right across the system, there are massive wait times, how many other people are sitting at home with this massive burden," opposition Health spokesperson Ashton Hun said.

Wilson is just hoping it's not too late.

"Why should someone have to die because you can't get in to have a simple procedure and it's 20 minutes?" he said.

"Is a simple colonoscopy going to be enough for me now or will I have more urgent surgery?"

Health Minister Chris Picton said he was concerned about the case and had requested the hospital look into the delay.