Delays in cancer treatment are 'causing avoidable deaths', Irish Cancer Society warns

'Research published in the British Medical Journal has found that every four-week delay in starting cancer treatment can increase mortality by 10%. So, there is no question that these delays are causing avoidable deaths', CEO Averil Power warned. Picture: Andres Poveda

Delays in cancer care for breast, lung, and prostate patients are causing avoidable deaths, with patients in some counties much more impacted than others, the Irish Cancer Society has warned.

Its analysis of new data from the National Cancer Control Programme shows, for the first time, differences between cancer centres.