Actions

Key action area is on ensuring fast and fair access for Irish cancer patients to the latest innovative treatments to ensure best standard of care. Our focus areas right now are on

• Developing proposals and funding requirements for an early access scheme
• Ensuring review and redesign of the current system for drug reimbursement. The current system is not fit for purpose and is causing unnecessary delays
• Ensuring the patient voice heard in this process

Early access schemes are in place in most other countries and these help ensure patients get access to the latest treatments while discussions on price are ongoing.

The current reimbursement process is slow and not transparent. We want a more agile system which takes expert clinician and patient voices into account for prioritisation of medicines.

We see this as a key priority for cancer patients as access to treatments is fundamental.

In addition to innovative treatments it’s also vital to ensure that cancer care delivery is adequately resourced. This means access to chemo, radiation and surgery in a timely fashion. You can help us find out what the picture is like on the ground by filling in the form below.

The National Cancer Strategy runs until 2026.  We believe meaningful patient involvement in building the next strategy will be key to its success. Ensuring our voices are at the table is a key focus area for UCAN Ireland.

Tell us how long it’s taking

Tell us your story of delays, whether it is scans, scopes, treatment or other delays.  If you chose to share this information it will be used to help us understand what is impacting patients in real time and help us advocate for the cancer community in Ireland. Any such data will be processed with your explicit, informed consent which can be withdrawn at any time by emailing UCANIreland@gmail.com. Share your email if you’re happy to be contacted.