An extra €20 million in funding will deliver better survival rates for cancer patients, the Irish Cancer Society has said. 

Following media reports that no new funding will be made available, CEO Avril Power said there is a “real risk” that cancer outcomes could decline in the years ahead. 

“The Irish Cancer Society is concerned that if cancer is not a priority for Government and that if the National Cancer Strategy does not receive the €20 million in funding it needs, that the price paid by patients will be poorer outcomes and reduced services and support for them,” she said.

“The Irish Cancer Society would like some of the €20 million funding to go towards the roll-out of a successful pilot we initiated called ‘chemo in the community’. 

“We are also calling for investment in the Acute Oncology Nursing Service which allows cancer patients to avoid ED when it’s clinically appropriate. This would reduce distress for patients, decrease the risk of them picking up an infection and reduce the pressure on overstretched ED departments.”

Spending decisions

In Budget 2023, the State allocated €23.4 billion in funding for the health service. 

This year, the Government is expecting a surplus of €10 billion amid a bonanza of corporation tax receipts. 

However, Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe has cautioned it would not be “moral” to spend the money all at once. 

Instead, much of it will be used to finance a new State Wealth Fund.

Main image: Patient receiving chemotherapy at a hospital