Back at Leinster House: A Powerful Step Toward Fast and Fair Cancer Access

What a day! Almost six months to the day since UCAN launched at Leinster House, we were proud to return to co-present AstraZeneca’s proposal for a co-funded Early Access Scheme for innovative oncology medicines. This milestone event, held in the Dáil AV Room, brought together oncologists, patient advocacy groups, charities, and policymakers to address one of the most pressing issues in Irish cancer care: inequitable access to life-saving treatments.

A Proposal with Momentum

The proposed scheme would allow public patients to access EMA-approved cancer treatments while formal assessments and pricing negotiations are underway, closing the gap that currently leaves public patients waiting years for access. Today, these treatments are only available to those with private health insurance. This is both inequitable and immoral.

Early access and reform of the drug reimbursement system are central goals for UCAN, and it’s encouraging to see real momentum building. The proposal has been developed in collaboration with consultant oncologists, patient groups, and industry partners, and aligns with the Government’s commitment to explore earlier access pathways.

Cross-Party Support and Personal Stories

We were heartened to see strong cross-party support in the room. Deputy Colm Burke hosted the session and shared his own personal experience, while Deputy Martin Daly reaffirmed that this issue is reflected in the Programme for Government and voiced his support for the proposal.

UCAN was joined by Sharon O’Toole from OvaCare, representatives from the Irish Cancer Society and the Marie Keating Foundation, and our own team members Miriam Staunton and Martin Sweeney who placed the patient voice at the centre.

The Reality in Clinics

Professor Michaela Higgins spoke powerfully about the moral dilemmas faced by oncologists every day. She shared the heartbreaking questions patients ask:

  • “Is this the best available treatment for my cancer?”
  • “If I were a private patient, would I be offered something better?”

These are questions no patient should have to ask. Yet they reflect the reality of our current system.

Time Is Life

UCAN urged the need for pace. We must move swiftly from proposal to implementation. This will require meaningful engagement from the Department of Health and the HSE. Cancer patients don’t have time on their side and every delay costs lives.

The inequity in our system can no longer be tolerated. The time for action is now.

#UnitedCancerVoices #FastAndFairAccess