Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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539. To ask the Minister for Health when the publication of the national cancer strategy is expected; to his views on the delay in the publication of the strategy; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the absence of this strategy, cancer services do not meet best international practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17872/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The development of a new National Cancer Strategy is nearing finalisation and I intend to bring the strategy proposals to Government shortly. Publication of the strategy around the end of May is envisaged.

Significant improvements have been made in cancer care in recent years under the previous cancer strategy. Outcomes for those with a cancer diagnosis have improved and five year cancer survival is now at 61%. The new National Cancer Strategy will aim to build on these successes and will provide the overall strategic direction for cancer control for the next decade.