Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has said that the next Government must implement multi-year funding for the Cancer Strategy to tackle lower cancer survival rates in the Mid-West and areas of disadvantage state-wide.

Deputy Cullinane was responding to the 2024 Annual Statistical Report of National Cancer Registry Ireland.

The TD for Waterford said that a new approach to care is needed under the next Minister for Health who must ensure that prevention, screening, timely access to scans, and outreach to underserved populations are at the heart of reform.

He said that this must go hand-in-hand with investment in treatment capacity and advanced research, but that the basics have often been forgotten.

Teachta Cullinane said:

“It is striking that the mid-west region scored lowest for cancer survival rates across all four diagnoses examined: colorectal, breast, prostate, and lung cancer. The health region approach taken in the annual statistical report of the National Cancer Registry provides a helpful indication of where investment is needed most.

“While not examined directly in this report, it is the educated view of the Director of National Cancer Registry Ireland, Prof Deirdre Murray, that economic disadvantage is a likely explainer for why the mid-west and north Dublin stand out with lower survival rates. The impact of poverty and socio-economic disadvantage on health is well established.

“We also know that delays in accessing appointments and scans, and thus diagnosis, have a major impact on cancer survival rates. I have no doubt that the under-serving of the mid-west with an inadequate hospital system, lengthy waiting lists for diagnostic scans, and regular cancellations are contributing factors.

“A new approach to care is needed under the next Minister for Health. The next government must implement multi-year funding for the Cancer Strategy. This must be targeted to ensure that prevention, screening, timely access to scans, and outreach to underserved populations are at the heart of reform.

“This must go hand-in-hand with investment in treatment capacity and advanced research, but the cost-effective benefits of getting the basics right should not be forgotten.

“The next government must also ensure that the Mid-West is properly served with adequate bed capacity at UHL and a second acute hospital. This is essential to reduce waiting lists, increase access to scans, and ensure more consistent access to all types of care, including cancer care. Access to diagnostics in community hubs should also be progressed to reduce reliance on hospitals.

“Sinn Féin has outlined a comprehensive plan to address the challenges in the health service. A population-based approach is essential. Sinn Féin would mandate care and capacity plans that are tailored to the demographics and geography of each region, and make sure that investment and reform target cost-effective solutions to improve prevention, survival rates, life expectancy, and quality of life.”