About the Irish Cancer Society's General Election 2020 campaign

The Irish Cancer Society is calling on election candidates to commit to making cancer a Government priority in 2020. 

In 2020, we need bold action from the next Government so that child, adolescent and adult cancer patients and survivors get the most appropriate treatment and supports when they need them.

We want to make sure that anyone who gets cancer is diagnosed early and begins their treatment on time. We also need legislation to protect children from the harmful influence of the tobacco and alcohol industries.

The Irish Cancer Society is seeking commitments from General Election Candidates that if elected, they will work to:

1) Take action to improve quality of life for cancer patients and survivors

• Reduce the cost of cancer by lowering Drug Payment Scheme charges, and abolishing inpatient and prescription charges.
• Reduce parking charges for cancer patients in public hospitals.
• Give automatic, life-long medical cards for people with a terminal cancer diagnosis.
• Give medical cards to all other cancer patients from diagnosis until they have completed treatment.
• Provide additional supports to meet the complex needs of childhood and adolescent cancer survivors.
• End HSE practice of pursuing cancer patients through debt collectors.

Read more about how we want to improve quality of life for patients and survivors.

2) Fully fund cancer and health strategies 

• Cut waiting times for cancer tests and cancer treatment.
• Deliver National Cancer Strategy and Sláintecare Oireachtas Report.
• Commit to delivering a Comprehensive Cancer Centre by 2026.

Read more about the Society's position on national cancer and health strategies.

3) Protect children from the tobacco and alcohol industries

• Introduce comprehensive e-cigarette legislation covering advertising and flavouring.
• Fully enact all provisions of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act.

Read more about children and the tobacco and alcohol industries.