Martin Browne
Ceist:1893. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the way in which the €20 million additional funding for the implementation of the national cancer strategy will be spent in 2022. [43505/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 September 2022
Ceisteanna (1893)
Freagraí scríofa
The implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is a Programme for Government commitment and is part of the implementation of Sláintecare. We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy in recent years, with clear evidence-based policy direction from my Department and strong implementation by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
The National Cancer Strategy seeks to build on the successes of previous strategies in the areas of prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, while also working to maximise the quality of life for patients living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis.
New development funding of €20m was provided for the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. This funding is being used to support ongoing initiatives and to drive improvements across all stages of the cancer continuum, including to:
- progress cancer prevention initiatives;
- improve performance of Rapid Access Clinics (RACs) for breast, lung and prostate cancers. The aim is to see all patients within the agreed KPIs;
- increase the proportion of symptomatic cancers that are diagnosed at early stage disease;
- address the increasing, and more complex, demand for radiation oncology;
- enhance medical oncology services to meet the growing need;
-further centralise cancer surgery to improve patient outcomes; and
- continue the development of survivorship services, including psycho-oncology services, to improve quality of life of those living with and beyond cancer.