Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 July 2020
283. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the additional communications campaigns that will be rolled out regarding the signs and symptoms of cancers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17877/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Action Plan on COVID-19 identified the continued delivery of cancer care as a priority, through ensuring the delivery of national specialities and maintaining urgent activity.
The numbers of patients presenting to health services were significantly reduced in the late March - early May period. This trend was reflected in cancer services, with a lower number of GP referrals of cases of suspected cancer to Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinics and Rapid Access Lung and Prostate Clinics.
The National Cancer Control Programme, in collaboration with HSE Communications and with the support of various stakeholders, commissioned a communications campaign on cancer detection. The video involved, which detailed the signs and symptoms of cancer, aimed to assure the public that cancer diagnostic services remained open, and to encourage people to call their GP, or other health services, if they had any concerns. It was launched in early May and featured on social media. It was also disseminated through various cancer stakeholders.
A second video was targeted at ensuring that current cancer patients undergoing treatment continued to attend their appointments. The campaign aimed to reassure patients that, although some aspects of their treatment may have changed (location or frequency of attendance), they would continue to be treated safely in the context of Covid-19.
The most recent data shows that referrals for breast clinics are now similar to pre-Covid rates, while referrals for prostate and lung Rapid Access Clinics, as well as to other symptomatic cancer services, are increasing.
