Cancer support services guidelines set gold standard
Developed as part of the recommendations of the National Strategy for Cancer Control, they set a gold standard for services so survivors feel safer using them.
ICS support groups manager Olwyn Ryan said the society had been asked to expand its role to become an umbrella body to which all support groups, support centres and peer support programmes can become affiliated.
Ms Ryan, speaking at the opening of a major two-day conference for 350 cancer survivors in Dublin Castle yesterday, said cancer numbers were set to double in the next 15 years. While rates are increasing in Ireland, more people are surviving because of earlier detection and advances in care and treatment.
Support services throughout the country have helped improve the quality of life for survivors. Most are provided by volunteers. “It is vital that we have a good support network in place to ensure people with cancer get the help and support they need,” she said.
The society has also launched a directory of cancer support service that lists 61 national support services and details the services based in each county.
An open invitation was made at yesterday’s conference to all cancer support services to become officially affiliated to the society.
In order to attain official affiliation status, all groups have to receive training from the society on how to operate within the guidelines.
The accreditation process will help cancer survivors feel safer using the services and the society said it would support the development of all support groups, big and small.
As well as the launch of the guidelines, the conference allows cancer survivors share information and support on all aspects of a cancer diagnosis, including treatment and aftercare.
- Anyone concerned about cancer can call the National Cancer Helpline at 1800 200 700 or visit www.cancer.ie.
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