The stark warning issued by leading cancer specialists to Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly last week about the lack of funding for the National Cancer Strategy underscores the urgent need for immediate action.

Liz Yeates CEO of the Marie Keating Foundation said: “It is shameful that the National Cancer Strategy has only received dedicated funding in two Budgets since it was published in 2017. This chronic underfunding has resulted in a stagnation of our cancer services, severely hampering our ability to provide optimal care and outcomes for cancer patients in Ireland.

“The failure to expand screening as planned, the inability to meet target waiting times for cancer tests, the frequent delays in cancer surgeries due to staffing and resource shortages, coupled with Covid-19 related delays, inadequate investment in infrastructure and radiotherapy services operating below capacity is deeply concerning.

“People with cancer in Ireland deserve access to the best possible care and support. This is a reality check that we can no longer afford to ignore.  

“The time to act is now – the lives of countless individuals depend on it.

“The Marie Keating Foundation implores the Minister to urgently commit the necessary funding to cancer services.”