Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death across the State. It is particularly prevalent in areas of the country that are more economically disadvantaged. A report published by National Cancer Registry Ireland in 2023 showed that people in such areas have an almost 30% higher risk of dying from cancer within five years of diagnosis than those from less economically vulnerable areas. The Irish Life insurance company, in its annual claims report from 2015 to 2023, showed that cancer has resulted in the largest percentage of cause of death claims. For example, 65% of specified illness claims in 2020 were due to cancer. In 2021, 61% of specified illness claims were due to malignant cancer. More than one in three death claims in that year were due to cancer. Breast cancer was generally the number one overall cause of specified illness claims for women, and for men, prostrate cancer was the main cause of cancer-related claims. By every metric, cancer is not just the leading cause of death but also has a great impact not only on individuals but on their families, communities and society in general.

Cancer imposes a substantial economic burden on the State so it is imperative that a proper cancer strategy is put in place. This important strategy is crucial as we have an increasingly ageing population, along with improved long-term cancer survival rates. It is particularly important for those who have the greatest need, such as the elderly, those on low incomes and those with no family support. The lack of implementation of a cancer strategy is evident in the inadequate funding for treatment, along with increased waiting times for treatment and radiotherapy, as well as specialist staff shortages, especially in radiology, and along with serious hospital capacity issues. It is clear that this Government is failing people diagnosed with cancer and it goes without saying that they do not have the luxury of waiting until this Government gets its act together.

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