Following The Journal’s investigation into dangerous delays in starting cancer treatment across Irish hospitals, our CEO Liz Yeates has commented:

“These aren’t just delays — it’s a national cancer care crisis. Behind every delayed appointment or missed target is a person whose treatment has been pushed back, risking their recovery and placing enormous emotional strain on them and their loved ones.

“The revelation that in some hospitals fewer than 70% of cancer patients are receiving treatment on time, and in one case just 12%, is deeply alarming. We are particularly concerned by the stark regional disparities – where you live should not determine your chance of surviving cancer.

“Every day a patient waits for chemotherapy, immunotherapy or surgery increases the risk of disease progression and worsens outcomes. As we’ve seen in this report, people are being told they must wait seven weeks or more to begin curative treatment — time they simply do not have.

“The psychological toll is enormous and the knock-on effects on other parts of the system, including inpatient care, are profound. The Government must treat this as the urgent public health issue it is and commit serious investment in Budget 2026 and in the National Cancer Strategy without delay.

“Without action, these delays will only worsen. Patients cannot wait.”

Read the article by Maria Delaney here