THE number of people dying from each of the four major cancers in Ireland has dropped or stabilised. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said new data from the National Cancer Registry shows huge progress has been made in controlling prostate , breast , lung and colorectal cancers. They account for over half of all invasive tumours, excluding rarely fatal non-melanoma skin cancers .
He said the mortality rates are falling or stabilising for each and continued investment in national cancer services will be a priority in the October Budget. A total of 9,620 people died from cancer last year in Ireland , compared to 9,860 five years ago. The Irish Cancer Society said, on average, 42,000 people are diagnosed with some type of cancer every year — with 24,000 cases involving invasive malignant tumours that can spread.
Last year, there were 11,000 cases of skin cancer, 3,980 prostate cases, 3,452 breast cancer cases, 2,590 lung cancer cases and 2,560 bowel cancer cases. It said that four out of ten cancers are preventable. Minister Donnelly stated: “The implementation of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 is a Government priority and continued improvements in cancer services will be driven by my Department and the National Cancer Control Programme.
“Priorities for 2024 include 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. “Decisions on future funding for the National Cancer Strategy will be made in the context for the upcoming Estimates process for 2025. “We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the strategy over the past seven years.
” Since 2017, the State has invested an extra €456million in cancer services, including €81million on cancer prevention, screening and treatment, €316million on cancer medicines and €59million on cancer research grants via the Health Research Board. Donnelly added: “This funding has enabled the recruitment of more than 670 staff to our national cancer services, including an additional 200 nursing staff, 100 consultants, and 180 health and social care professionals in designated cancer centres.”.
