A statement has been released by Liz Yeates of the Marie Keating Foundation in reaction to recent news that the normal resumption of cancer services will not happen until the end of 2021, due to the pandemic. The Marie Keating Foundation is a charity who help raise awareness about cancer, and advocate early diagnosis, and is based in Dublin.
The statement reads:
“Reports today that under the HSE Pandemic Plan, cancer services will not be fully restored until the end of this year, are deeply worrying. COVID-19 has already had a hugely negative impact on cancer services, diagnosis and treatments, and further delays on the restoration of these will only result in poorer outcomes for patients. The resumption of these services being so conditional on a number of factors including COVID numbers, resources and seasonal pressure on the health system also means there is a level of uncertainty around their return which may undermine the public’s confidence in coming forward when they notice changes in their bodies. The Marie Keating Foundation is looking for clarity on the details of the three-phase plan referenced and in particular how it pertains to cancer services so we can better understand and help communicate it to those we support in the cancer community. The number of cancer cases diagnosed in Ireland every year continues to grow and although survival rates are increasing across all the common cancers, the disease sadly still claims more than 9,000 lives every year in Ireland. We know early detection and early intervention matters and can have a significant impact on a cancer patient’s journey and outcome, so it is crucial that even in these stressful and trying circumstances the HSE and the Minister of Health recognise that investment and resources are needed to keep our cancer services running safely during the ongoing pandemic.”
