Cancer outcomes 'at risk of going backwards', experts warn Taoiseach

Simon Harris pictured speaking at the launch of the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day in 2019. The National Cancer Strategy first published by Mr Harris as minister for health in 2017. Picture: Andres Poveda

Cancer survival rates will decrease unless "proper funding" is invested in Ireland's healthcare system, the Taoiseach has been warned by a group of the country's leading cancer experts.

In an open letter, 21 doctors and researchers have warned of the threat to the country's cancer services and demanded investment for the National Cancer Strategy first published by Mr Harris as minister for health in 2017.

“Screening has not been expanded as planned,” the group warned. "Target waiting times for cancer tests are not being met. Cancer surgeries are frequently delayed due to shortages in staffing, beds and theatre space."

“Investment in infrastructure has been lacking, despite increasing infection control issues and rising cancer incidence.” 

The pandemic highlighted the risks inherent around older buildings where ventilation is not optimal or patients are housed in large wards.

In addition, radiotherapy services are running “significantly below capacity”, they said.

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“We are falling far short of the already modest target of 6% of cancer patients participating in clinical trials," the group added. "Ireland is also one of the slowest countries in western Europe to make new medicines available to public patients.”

A growing two-tier system for access to medication between public and private patients and a growing infrastructure gap have been highlighted in the Irish Examiner in recent months by oncologists.

The group, which includes leading oncologists from Cork University Hospital, University Hospital Limerick, and Beaumont Hospital, said patients bear the brunt of this.

They pointed to the European Cancer Inequalities Register which showed Ireland had the third-highest cancer mortality in western Europe in 2019.

“We have no reason to believe the situation has improved,” they said. 

"Rather, given the pressure our services are currently under, Ireland’s cancer outcomes are at risk of going backwards.” 

Cancer care needs to be protected and not disrupted by other pressures, the experts said.

“We urge you to reverse the decision to provide no new recurrent funding to the National Cancer Control Programme in 2024 and to commit to sufficient ringfenced, multiannual funding to enable full delivery of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026,” they said.

Cancer care has been the jewel in the crown for the health services following a radical shakeup under Professor Tom Keane, the cancer tsar, starting from 2007.

The move followed the tragic death of campaigner Susie Long, who waited seven months on public waiting lists for diagnosis of the cancer which ultimately killed her.

Indeed, Leo Varadkar focused on improvements in cancer care during his final speech as taoiseach, despite the growing level of concern among those in the services.

“Survival rates for stroke, heart attacks, and many cancers have dramatically improved in the past 10 years,” he said.

This was backed up by the Department of Health which last night said survival rates for patients after receiving a cancer diagnosis have continued to improve, with 65% of patients living five years after a cancer diagnosis in 2014 - 2018, compared to 44% in 1994 - 1998.

"Treatment in medical oncology, radiation oncology and surgical oncology services also continues to improve. The number of people living after an invasive cancer diagnosis has exceeded 215,000, compared to 150,000 at the start of the Strategy in 2017," it said.

It also said over 670 new staff have been recruited to national cancer services since 2017, including an additional 200 nursing staff, 100 consultants, and 180 health and social care professionals in designated cancer centres.

However, the Irish Cancer Society also raised concerns just last week to the Oireachtas health committee.

Speaking in support of the doctors last night, the charity's CEO Averil Power pointed out that one in two people here will get cancer.

Patients deserve the best chance of surviving and a good quality of life, she said.

“The Irish Cancer Society has been warning for some time that Irish patients are not being given that chance due to lack of Government investment in cancer services and research," she said. "That has now been backed up by over 20 of the top cancer doctors and researchers in the country.”

She said the letter must act “as a walk-up call” to the new Taoiseach.

Among the signatories are Professor Seamus O’Reilly, an oncologist at Cork University Hospital; Professor Ruth Clifford, haematologist at University Hospital Limerick; Dr Michael McCarthy, an oncologist at University Hospital Galway; and Prof Patrick Morris, oncologist, Beaumont Hospital.