Cancer strategy reaches target three years early

The National Cancer Strategy goal of reducing the number of cancer deaths in the over-65s by 15 per cent has been achieved three years ahead of target, it was announced today.

The prime objective of the strategy, which was introduced in 1996, was to lower the number of cancer deaths by 15 per cent from the 1994 figure within ten years. According to a review of the strategy by management consultants Deloitte & Touche, this target was achieved in 2001, three years ahead of schedule.

There were 89 deaths per 100,000 of the population in this age group in 1994, compared to 76 deaths per 100,000 in 2001, representing a drop of 14.83 per cent. The rate in all age groups dropped by 8.16 per cent, from 215 in 1994 to 198 in 2001.

The report said there was a marked improvement in both the care and prevention of cancers, and noted around €400 million had been invested since 1996, when €25 million was initially earmarked to implement the strategy.

A total of 85 new consultants, 15 of whom are medical oncologists, and 245 clinical cancer care nurses have been appointed.

The study was also extremely supportive of the decision to ban smoking in the workplace, saying this would place Ireland at the forefront of public policy on smoking in Europe.

The Minister for Health, Mr Martin, welcomed the review today and said it was an important stage in tackling a disease that will be contracted by one in three Irish people. However, he warned that because of Ireland's aging population, there was a risk numbers of cases could rise again. With this in mind, there will be a new cancer strategy implemented in March next year.

He said the review supported his plan to move cancer surgery from small local hospitals to a few large specialised "supra-regional" centres, where standards of care could be maintained and improved. "Some local hospitals have a very low level of surgery taking place," he said, and patients would be better served in hospitals that specialised in cancer treatment.

However, it was not all good news for the minister. The review was highly critical of the level of radiotherapy services, saying this sector was significantly under-resourced, waiting lists were beyond acceptable levels, access was unfairly distributed around the country and there was inadequate counselling available. It said the health service focused too much on breast cancer, neglecting other forms of the disease like bowel, skin, prostate and lung cancers.

Mr Martin said radiotherapy issues would be addressed. "The Government accepts there is a major deficit in this area," he said.

The report also noted more emphasis on health promotion and education was required to maintain the rate of fall in cancer cases.