Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
763. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his position in respect of calls by an organisation (details supplied) to see additional investment and resourcing of cancer services and the cancer workforce in order that everyone can access timely tests and treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26188/23]
View answerSuccessive National Cancer Strategies have delivered continuing improvements in outcomes for Irish cancer patients in terms of earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and improved rates of survival. This Government’s commitment to implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is evidenced by significant investment in recent years. €20m new development funding was allocated to cancer services and €15m was allocated for new cancer drugs in both 2021 and 2022. This increased total funding for cancer services to €139m in 2022.
We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy over the past six years, with clear evidence-based policy direction from my Department and strong implementation by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
In 2022, 172 new staff were recruited to cancer services from this new development funding, which represent a 20% increase in total staffing for cancer. Cancer surgeries returned to above 2019 thresholds with more than 16,200 surgeries performed, more patients were seen at Rapid Access Clinics with attendances at 104% of 2019 levels, and over 126,000 chemotherapy treatments were administered, more than ever before.
The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 Implementation Report 2022 is currently being prepared, and it is expected that this Report will be published very shortly. The annual Implementation Report will outline how this funding was used to support ongoing initiatives and to drive improvements across all stages of the cancer continuum, facilitating further developments across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports. My Department continues to work with the NCCP to implement the recommendations of the Strategy in 2023, including the recruitment of staff into cancer services and the improvement of services for patients.
National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) data shows substantial progress being made to control the four major cancers (prostate, breast, lung and colorectal), with mortality rates falling or stabilising for each. These comprise over half of all invasive tumours (not including rarely fatal nonmelanoma skin cancers).
Treatment in our medical oncology, radiation oncology and surgical oncology services also continues to improve, with an estimated 200,000 people in Ireland living with and beyond cancer.
The implementation of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 is a Government priority and continued improvements in cancer services will be driven by both my Department and the National Cancer Control Programme within the HSE. Priorities for 2023 will include the further centralisation of cancer services which has a direct impact on positive outcomes for patients, and the implementation of models of care for areas such as medical oncology and psycho-oncology, which ensure continuity of care and support for cancer patients and their families.
