Cancer strategy must be delivered on- Kelly
Labour spokesperson on Health, Alan Kelly TD, has welcomed the publication of the updated ten-year national cancer strategy.
Deputy Kelly said the report highlights the need to retain and recruit highly trained staff into the health service.
Deputy Kelly commented:
“Sadly there are few families in Ireland that haven’t, or will not be impacted by cancer at some point in their lives, with over 150,000 cancer survivors in this country.
“The National Cancer Registry estimates that by 2020, one in two people here will develop the disease in their lifetime, and so it is vital that we ensure our strategy for tackling the disease is up-to-date and in line with international and best-practice standards.
“We know that early detection and accurate diagnoses are key in the successful treatment of this disease, and so I welcome the focus on the expansion of existing cancer screening, particularly with regard to breast and bowel cancer where the incidence rates in this country are high.
“The inclusion of facilities specifically designed for teenagers and young people in the new National Children’s’ Hospital is also welcome, so they receive the age-appropriate care and attention needed.
“The strategy has also highlighted the need for additional and highly trained staff in a number of area in order to provide a first-class cancer service.
“The retention of existing, and recruitment of new staff has been a consistent issue for the Health Service, and if this strategy is to have any impact it is clear that the Government needs to increase efforts in this regard.”