Stockport's breast cancer service has stopped taking new patients - because there aren't enough people to run it.
Those who face a potential diagnosis will be forced to go elsewhere for further screenings and tests.
Health chiefs described the service at Stepping Hill Hospital as 'fragile', saying that although it was a 'very difficult decision' for them to make, safety had to come first.
They blame the problems on a lack of radiologists and other highly skilled staff - the people interpret mammograms and other complex tests so that cancer can be diagnosed and treatment planned - and say they are struggling to cope with the current demand.
The suspension of new patients, which Stockport NHS Foundation Trust say is only temporary, began on May 2.
It will remain in place until the service is 'stabilised' and a new long term plan developed.
Read more of today's top stories
GPs will work with new patients to choose a suitable alternative hospital - such as Macclesfield, Tameside or Wythenshawe - and those with mobility or transport issues will be eligible for patient transfer services or volunteer drivers to help them get to appointments.
Those already being supported by the service, or who have an appointment booked, will not be affected.
The move will also not impact any cancer treatment - only pre-diagnosis testing.
A spokesman for the trust said it is important people suspected of having breast cancer are seen as quickly as possible and it is hoped the change will ensure they achieve the national standard waiting time of two weeks.
A statement read: "Our breast services team has seen an increase in referrals and a number of workforce pressures, and despite the best efforts of our clinicians and help from our partners, the service is fragile.
"The service we provide is recognised as being safe and high quality but we currently do not have the capacity to see enough patients to achieve the national standard waiting time of two weeks.
"We want to run a safe and timely service for our patients so we have taken the step to temporarily suspend referrals while we stabilise our service and develop a long term plan for how we manage patients referred to us.
"Nationally breast services are facing problems because there is a shortage of radiologists and other highly skilled staff.
"Radiologists provide a vital skill in interpreting mammograms and other complex tests so cancer can be diagnosed and treatment planned. Accurate reporting on tests is crucial to the treatment of patients.
"These professionals are in high demand so they can choose where they work. They prefer to work in large teams which also run breast screening services.
"We don’t have a breast screening service at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust so, in line with other non-screening hospitals, recruiting clinicians can be difficult.
"While dealing with workforce pressures, we also want to give the best quality care to our patients.
"This means getting patients seen as quickly as possible by a panel of clinicians and working toward the national standard waiting time of two weeks for a referral for anyone with suspected cancer."
Man who died in M62 bridge fall has been named - he was set to celebrate his birthday
Aldi are recruiting in the UK and some of the salaries are very tidy
