Cancer services here have been underfunded by €180 million since 2017, the Irish Cancer Society has claimed.

In its Budget 2025 submission today, the society has called on the Government to properly invest in the National Cancer Strategy.

They believe the scheme's budget should have increased incrementally by €110 million over the last seven years but was instead topped up by €65 million. 

CEO Averil Power explained what the smaller increase has meant for patients. 

“Screening hasn’t been expanded as planned, waiting times for cancer tests are consistently exceeded and surgeries are frequently delayed,” she said. 

“People with cancer are paying the price in poorer outcomes and quality of life. 

“So, that’s why we’re calling on the Government today to change that by properly funding cancer services in next year’s Budget.” 

A test tube containing a blood sample for prostate cancer screening. (PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo)

Ms Power said patients are also “struggling to cope with the financial toll of cancer” and said there are a number of things the Government could do to alleviate this. 

“That’s why we’re calling on the Government to properly fund the National Cancer Strategy and cancer services next year,” she said. 

“Also to implement improvements such as automatic access to medical cards and the removal of parking fees for cancer patients.” 

Last year, a projected overspend by the Department of Health was labelled a “significant risk to our public finances” by Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe.

In response, Minister Stephen Donnelly set up the Productivity and Savings Taskforce to to "ensure that the maximum amount of patient care is delivered for the funding available".

Main image: Screening for cervical cancer.