Cancer Care in Ireland 2025
Data identified by by www.thejournal.ie and published this week has drawn attention to shocking gaps in cancer care in Ireland. Data shows that virtually all the major cancer treating hospitals around the country fail to meet the target of starting patients on chemotherapy within 3 weeks of their treatment plan being agreed. It also shows major issues in accessing timely radiation treatment, particularly in the east of the country.
This is extremely distressing for patients currently being diagnosed or unfortunately progressing in their cancer and needing a new line of treatment. We have previously been very vocal on access to innovative treatments but in more recent times have turned our attention to basic cancer care delivery, as access to new treatments is pointless without a seat in the day ward to receive it. Delays in diagnosis or progression due to scan wait times further adds to this distress.
We have heard testimony directly from patients which unfortunately backs up this data
‘Stage 4 bowel with liver secondaries almost 78 yrs old, almost 2 months waiting for treatment to begin’
‘Appointment cancelled 3 times. My biggest stress was waiting to find out if i needed chemo so having it rescheduled 3 times was beyond stressful ‘
We welcome Averil Power, CEO of Irish Cancer Society’s strong position on the wide ranging issues raised on RTE’s Morning Ireland show this morning and support her call for further investment and a serious injection of pace on the national development plan. For cancer patients unfortunately the phrase attributed to Prof. Kennedy rings true. What we have in Ireland are Centres of Adequacy and not Excellence.
Patients can share their experience of delays here www.ucanireland.ie/actions