The government has been urged to deliver on creating a centre for cancer patients in the west and northwest as a matter of urgency.
A number of healthcare organisations have highlighted the ‘cancer pandemic’ in the region and the poor outcomes for patients on the west coast.
A cancer centre, proposed for University Hospital Galway, will ensure that all cancer patients receive access to a timely diagnosis and the essential care and treatment they need. Most recent data confirms that 31% of overall deaths are due to cancer compared to 29% due to cardiovascular disease – cancer is the most common cause of death in Ireland.
Cancer Care West, the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and NUI Galway last week supported an event which highlighted the need for the purpose centre.
Prof Michael Kerin, Director Saolta-NUI Galway Cancer Network, said: “The West and Northwest of Ireland have the highest national incidence of cancer and the lowest survival rates for breast and lung cancer. Currently, cancer care is competing with emergency and elective health care. Providing comprehensive care to patients in this region requires functional cancer teams, working as a network and underpinned by fit for purpose infrastructure.”
The West and Northwest of Ireland are the most disadvantaged and geographically dispersed with a higher-than-average older population and higher incidence of cancer overall.
Also commenting on the launch, Tony Canavan, CEO Saolta University Healthcare Group, said: “The development of a comprehensive Cancer Centre in Galway is a priority for the Saolta Group. We are very pleased that it has been included in the National Development Plan and we are fully committed to delivering on the Centre as part of a cancer network for the region.”
The Cancer Centre’s development will allow the delivery of cancer care to the region in a predictable manner in a modern fit for purpose facility with access to cancer care underpinned by clinical trials, research and education, staff and student development. This is entirely in line with the Sláintecare proposals and Europe’s beating cancer plan to save three million lives by 2030.
Richard Flaherty, CEO, Cancer Care West, concludes by reinforcing the need for this much needed centre, “As the West of Ireland cancer charity we are strongly committed to ensuring that cancer patients in our region deserve the best treatments and outcomes. The delivery of a world class cancer centre is crucial to achieving this. We strongly support this project, and we look forward to its delivery as soon as possible.”