Cancer charity inundated with calls from 'worried patients' who cannot access therapy

The Irish Cancer Society is aware 'almost 40% of patients are not getting access to radiotherapy within the recommended timeframe'. Picture: Denis Minihane

The Irish Cancer Society’s helpline has received a large volume of calls from cancer patients who cannot access life-saving radiation therapy, with almost one in four patients facing delays.

A Government review of staffing for the radiotherapy sector has recommended “urgent action” and an “immediate increase” in training places to match patient numbers. 

The as-yet unpublished review was highlighted by the last week.

As many as 60% of cancer patients are likely to need radiation therapy, but Steve Dempsey, director of advocacy at the Irish Cancer Society, said the organisation now feared radiation therapy was another area of cancer care “falling through the gaps” due to under-investment.

“Our support line and Daffodil Centre nurses are hearing from worried cancer patients who are facing delays in accessing cancer treatment, including radiation therapy,” he said.

“We're also hearing from people who are struggling to get to their radiotherapy appointments due to lack of suitable transport.” 

The National Cancer Strategy says people should start radiotherapy within 15 days of being ready for treatment.

However, the Irish Cancer Society is aware “almost 40% of patients are not getting access to radiotherapy within the recommended timeframe”.

“We are hearing from patients who are concerned that they are waiting too long to get cancer treatment and some scans. In 2018, four in five patients accessed radiation treatment on time; in 2023, only roughly three in five did,” he said.

Starting radiation therapy on time leads to better results for patients, he added. 

“Our support line is hearing from patients across the country who are worried about what delays to treatment will mean for their cancer treatment and quality of life,” he said.

The Irish Cancer Society is calling for an additional €20m in 2025 in new recurrent funding for the National Cancer Strategy.

It is estimated the need for radiation therapy will grow by 77% by 2045, he pointed out.

He linked the delays to under-investment in cancer care, particularly the staffing of the sector.

“We understand that proposals were made to increase training spaces for radiation therapists, but it's unclear if this is happening,” he said.

He called for a whole of Government approach, saying: “Policymakers must heed the urgent need to ensure there are enough radiation therapists to treat cancer patients now and into the future."

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The Irish Cancer Society is calling for an additional €20m in 2025 in new recurrent funding for the National Cancer Strategy.

They also want to see an assessment of the funding needs above this to ensure the strategy is fully implemented by 2026.

“We have repeatedly raised the underfunding of the National Cancer Strategy with the Government. 

"We really need a commitment from Government to invest in long-term solutions to meet future demand across cancer care,” Mr Dempsey said.

Contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 or email: [e-mail].