4,500 Tipperary families will face cancer over the course of the next Government’s term
Every year in Tipperary around 900 people are diagnosed with cancer.
Over the lifetime of the next Government around 4,500 families in Tipperary will have to grapple with the emotional, physical and financial turmoil a cancer diagnosis brings.
The Irish Cancer Society is highlighting the inequity that exists in cancer care and outcomes regionally. Recent findings from the National Cancer Registry revealed that the Mid-West health region has the worst cancer survival outcomes in Ireland.
The charity is also warning that cancer rates are set to double by 2045, and that cancer services nationwide are already struggling to meet current demand. Last year, more than 20% of people did not access an urgent breast cancer clinic within the recommended timeframe. A further 30% of patients did not get breast cancer surgery on time, while 35% of cancer patients did not access radiation therapy within the recommended timeframe. The Irish Cancer Society’s recent Healthcare Access survey found that only one in five people in Ireland believe the Government has invested enough in cancer services
Commenting today, Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society said:
“It’s imperative that the next government fully fund the National Cancer Strategy on a multiannual basis, to ensure every cancer patient, irrespective of Eircode, has access to world class cancer care and supports. It’s unacceptable that over a ten-year period, the Midwest had lower outcomes than the national average across four common cancer types.
"We know that cancer care is a huge issue for the people of Tipperary, with 175 locals signing our recent petition urging the next government to prioritise cancer care - the highest in any constituency in Ireland. Many local politicians also pledged their support for cancer care in their manifestos.
"As talks continue on the formation of a new Government, we hope that these political promises aren’t forgotten. There are 4,500 Tipperary families relying on it.”
Anyone with questions or concerns about cancer, can contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 or email supportline@irishcancer.ie.