Statement regarding the NCRI Annual Statistical Report 2023
Yesterday, the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) launched its Annual Report. This report is a valuable resource and tells a story of the cancer landscape in Ireland.
The 2021 report highlights that many cancer cases were missed due to the pandemic, confirming that there was a 4% shortfall in cancer cases detected in 2021. We welcome the findings that early indicators suggest return to expected rates of cancer diagnoses in 2022.
An area of concern highlighted is that a significant proportion of cancers continue to be detected at Emergency Departments (14% during 2016-2019). Alarmingly, this figure has remained unchanged since 2009. Many of these cancers are diagnosed at a more advanced stage, and we know that the later the stage of diagnosis, the more complex, more costly, and more invasive cancer is to treat. To move the dial on cancer deaths in Ireland, it is crucial that the number of cancers detected at EDs are reduced.
On a positive note, the report shows that participation in screening programmes increase the chances of cancers being detected earlier, which we know increases the chances of survival and reduces severity of treatment. Earlier this year, we campaigned for Government to fund the rollout of the BowelScreen programme to people aged 55-74, and then to extend the BowelScreen age to 50-74 pending a recommendation by HIQA.
Overall, the figures published today underline our continued calls for Government to increase capacity across cancer care to ensure that our services are equipped to cope with demand now and that they will be resilient into the future. The National Cancer Strategy is an ambitious but necessary policy towards achieving this goal. However, the reality is that the Strategy is not progressing as quickly as it should be. Without adequate investment, the health system will be unable to guarantee all patients in Ireland with swift access to the tests and treatment they need. To turn the tide, now is the time to dedicate sustained funding to support additional capacity in cancer services and the recruitment and retention of a full cancer workforce.
Alongside this, the public needs to be reassured that health services are available if they need them. Our most recent omnibus survey from August, found that one third of people put off GP and hospital appointments due to either pressures in the health service or because they couldn’t afford it. While 37% of adults in Ireland are not confident that they can access the health services they need at the current time.
The Irish Cancer Society urges the public to seek medical advice for anything that is unusual, unexplained, or persistent. Anyone with questions or concerns about cancer can contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 or email Supportline@irishcancer.ie
The full NCRI annual report for 2021 can be accessed at the following link:
NCRI_AnnualStatisticalReport_2023.pdf
