Investment in National Cancer Strategy must be prioritised – Kyne

The Head of the National Cancer Control Programme should be included on the HSE Leadership Team to ensure cancer treatment receives the focus required, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Seán Kyne, speaking on a joint Fine Gael motion to Seanad Éireann during Private Members’ Business today regarding the National Cancer Services, also called for a new cancer centre for the West of Ireland, within the grounds of University Hospital Galway, pointing out that there are lower survival rates in the West of Ireland compared to the national average.

Acknowledging the success of the National Cancer Strategies since their inception, Senator Kyne said that important screening programmes such as BreastCheck and BowelScreen, along with the HPV immunisation programme means that more people are surviving cancer in Ireland than ever.

“However, Ireland still has the third highest mortality rate from cancer in Western Europe. This is a shocking statistic, and we need to do everything we can to address this.

“It is vital that we expand the age ranges for cancer screening programmes. Currently the BreastCheck programme allows women between 50 and 69 years old to a free of charge breast screening every two years, this must be expanded so that those aged between 45 to 74 are also included.

“We also need to look at lowering the age range of BowelScreen from 55 to 50 years old, so more people have access to the service.

“The introduction of screening programmes for prostate, lung, and gastric cancer must also be seriously considered. These schemes would be crucial in detecting cancer at an early stage. In tandem with this, there must be proper resourcing and staffing of diagnostic services so that Sláintecare targets for testing times are met.

“Additional funding must be provided in Budget 2025 for the network of Community Cancer Support Centres nationwide, along with continued investment in single occupancy rooms within hospitals, to reduce the risk of infections.

“One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. Continued investment and monitoring of the National Cancer Strategy and the inclusion of the Head of the National Cancer Control Programme on the HSE Leadership Team will give patients every chance of surviving and thriving, along with continuous investment,” concluded Senator Kyne.