One in four patients forced to choose food and heat over health

Averil Power said: "It's shocking that people are left with no choice but to prioritise other costs like heating and eating above paying for medical appointments.” 

A “shocking” one in four people had to choose health bills or food and heat with young people aged 18 to 24 the most affected, the Irish Cancer Society has warned.

The double impact of financial fears and pressure on the health system is putting barriers in front of many vulnerable patients. 

Some 34% put off a GP or hospital appointment because they could not afford it, and long waiting lists pushed one in three people to fund expensive private care instead.

People on lower incomes and women were more likely to be affected by delays, new data shows.

In addition, some 38% delayed going to a GP or hospital because they were worried about pressures in the health system.

Among those surveyed, one in five people had an appointment cancelled in the last three months.

Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, said: “It's shocking that people are left with no choice but to prioritise other costs like heating and eating above paying for medical appointments.” 

People had to pay for food, electricity, diesel or petrol, telephone bills, their children’s education or make car loan payments instead of doctors’ appointments, the survey found.

Some 45% of people said even if they were worried about symptoms of cancer, they would still put off a hospital or GP visit due to cost.

Among cancer patients, the survey showed “access to community support is becoming an increasing worry”. 

Examples included delays in accessing MRI scans, physiotherapy, psychologists and GPs.

Other patients mentioned delays in accessing chemotherapy in public hospitals and raised concerns about emergency department overcrowding. 

Just one in five people believe the Government has invested enough in cancer services, and nine in ten said more healthcare staff are needed.

“Around 210,000 people will be diagnosed (with cancer) over the course of the next government’s term,” Ms Power warned.

“The Irish Cancer Society is calling on the next government to prioritise health and cancer care.” 

Third highest cancer deaths in Europe

Ireland already has the third-highest cancer deaths in western Europe and rates of illness are expected to double by 2045.

“So, it’s really concerning that more and more people are avoiding healthcare now compared to last year,” she said.

“The big risk is that this could result in missed cancers, resulting in late-stage diagnoses and ultimately worse outcomes for cancer patients.” 

She called on the next government to ensure cancer patients get the best care without financial barriers.

“Early detection is crucial to saving lives – people should not be forced to choose between putting food on the table or accessing healthcare when they need it,” she said.

The society wants to see the National Cancer Strategy fully funded, automatic entitlement to medical cards, and providing vital financial support to patients with a life-limiting cancer diagnosis among other reforms.