Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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169. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department has undertaken an assessment of the impact of Covid-19 restrictions or lockdowns on cancer services; if his attention has been drawn to an increase or perceived increase in cancer diagnosis during the pandemic; if so, the names of the persons or bodies that alerted him to such an increase; and the dates upon which his attention was drawn to the matter. [7775/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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My Department and the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) systematically study the impact of Covid-19 on cancer services through data monitoring and monthly review meetings.

During Wave 1 of Covid in March-May 2020, in line with experiences internationally, there was a significant drop in the numbers of people presenting with cancer concerns. From the outset of the pandemic, great focus has been placed by the cancer services on providing safe patient pathways and encouraging people to come forward. Urgent cancer services were maintained throughout the pandemic.

By the time Wave 2, and subsequent Covid Waves, occurred, the degree of resilience built up in cancer services, through staff commitment, revised treatment guidelines, social distancing and infection prevention and control measures, instilled confidence in people that they could access cancer diagnostics and treatment. Accordingly, services were much less impacted.

As indicated, we are continuing to closely monitor trends in numbers coming forward to diagnostic services, and the level of attendances for appointments for treatment. Based on the most recent figures available:

- the total number of GP e-referrals to cancer Rapid Access Clinics for 2021 stands at 130% of the activity in 2019;

- the total number of patients seen across all Rapid Access Clinics for 2021 stands at 102% of the activity in 2019;

- the number of patients receiving chemotherapy for January-November 2021 is at approximately 95% of 2019 activity;

- the number of patients receiving radiation oncology for January-November 2021 is at 85% of 2019 activity; and

- the number undergoing surgical oncology for January-November 2021 is at 80%.

In December 2021, the Royal College of Physicians Ireland (RCPI), in conjunction with organisations such as the National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) and NCCP, published a report titled 'Cancer care in Ireland in 2020 – The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic'.NCRI data included in the report indicates that, as expected, the number of cancer diagnoses in 2020 was lower than in 2019 due to Covid-19. While the full extent of the impact of Covid-19 on cancer patients will not be known until the NCRI 2020 data reaches maturity, the NCRI suggests that the reduction may be between 10% and 14% of the expected figure (which allows for increasing trends due to our increasing and ageing population).

The Government has provided significant extra funding for cancer services in Ireland. Funding of €5m has been provided in 2022 to continue the work of supporting cancer services and increasing capacity in the context of Covid-19. This is in addition to the €12m allocated in 2021. This funding is facilitating additional clinics and the extension of clinic times, as well as allowing for minor infrastructural works to be carried out and for locum and temporary staff to be recruited to support the delivery of services.

In addition, there has been significant investment over the last two years for implementation of the National Cancer Strategy, with €20m provided in 2021 and a further €20m in 2022. This funding is being utilised to advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer and to provide continued support for patients living with and beyond cancer.

In conclusion, I would emphasise that it remains important to stress that anyone with concerns about cancer should visit their GP, who will arrange appropriate follow-up care. Our cancer diagnostic and treatment services are open, and our healthcare staff will provide any necessary care.