Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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58. To ask the Minister for Health the steps that his Department is taking to build on the progress in reducing the mortality rate from cancer further given that there has been a 10% reduction over the period 2009 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60235/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Successive National Cancer Strategies have delivered continuing improvements in outcomes for Irish cancer patients in terms of earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and improved rates of survival.

National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) data shows substantial progress being made to control the four major cancers (prostate, breast, lung and colorectal), with mortality rates falling or stabilising for each. These comprise over half of all invasive tumours (not including rarely fatal nonmelanoma skin cancers).

Treatment in our medical oncology, radiation oncology and surgical oncology services also continues to improve, with an estimated 200,000 people in Ireland living with and beyond cancer.

The NCRI published its "2022 Annual Statistical Report: Cancer in Ireland 1994-2020" last week. This report on the status of cancer in Ireland includes updated statistics on cancer incidence, mortality and survival for patients diagnosed in Ireland 1994 – 2020. 

Key findings include:

- Over 50% increase in numbers of cancer survivors compared with a decade ago as, for the first time, the number of patients living after an invasive cancer diagnosis has exceeded the 200,000-mark, equivalent to 1 in 24 people in Ireland. This reflects the ongoing improvement in cancer survival.

- More complete data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer diagnoses indicates that the pandemic resulted in a 10% reduction in cancer diagnoses (based on all cancers) or 11% (based on microscopically verified cancers) in 2020, compared to what was expected that year.

- Median age at diagnosis for all cancer combined (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) was 69 years in men and 67 years in women, with little change over time.  The median age at death for all invasive cancers combined was 74 years in both men and women, an increase compared with the median of 72 years in both men and women during 1994-1998, consistent with improved cancer survival.

- Further evidence of improvements in colorectal cancer control in men, as this cancer drops from 2nd to 3rd most common cause of cancer deaths in men.

In 2020 and 2021, cancer services continued to be provided in Ireland during a challenging time for health services globally. The National Action Plan on COVID-19 identified the continued delivery of cancer care as a priority. Cancer diagnostic and treatment services continued to operate, including breast, lung, and prostate Rapid Access Clinics (RACs) for cancer diagnosis.

Significant funding was allocated towards the restoration of cancer services in 2021 to address the disruption caused by COVID-19, amounting to €12m. This funding has been used to support hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity, and providing locum/temporary support. In 2021 and 2022 €20m additional funding was allocated to cancer services each year to drive improvements, particularly for RACs.

A recent study by the Lancet has shown that cancer survival rates in Ireland for lung, pancreas, rectal, and oesophageal cancers have improved in recent years. This study highlighted the importance of continued evaluation of national policies and the link to improved survival rates for patients.

The implementation of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 is a Government priority and continued improvements in cancer services will be driven by both my Department and the National Cancer Control Programme within the HSE. Priorities for 2023 will include the further centralisation of cancer services which has a direct impact on positive outcomes for patients, and the implementation of models of care for areas such as medical oncology and psycho-oncology, which ensure continuity of care and support for cancer patients and their families.