15% of chemotherapy patients do not start treatment on time

Michael Bolton

Sinn Féin is bringing new proposals for a new cancer strategy forward on Tuesday.

The party says it wants to end the 'postcode lottery' in access to cancer care.

Figures provided to the party show 15 per cent of chemotherapy patients and 23 per cent of radiotherapy patients do not start treatment on time.

61 per cent of prostate cancer, 45 per cent of breast cancer and 39 per cent of lung cancer surgeries are also not happening within the recommended time frame.

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Health, David Cullinane, says things need to change.

It also claims BreastCheck targets are being missed.

"So we're seeing in many areas this postcode lottery. Depending on where you live, that will determine how quickly you get a diagnostic assessment, treatment, or surgery.

"These are real-life experiences. These are people diagnosed with cancer, waiting for either surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

"The trauma that brings you when you are waiting and waiting well beyond that is the gold standard which has been set by the Government.

"We have to strive for the gold standard. It is disappointing to see the slippage because it is one of the areas that was working well."

Cullinane says the HSE is underfunded.

"The reality is the HSE doesn't have the capital funding it needs. That is accepted.

"The minister would acknowledge as well that more capital funding is needed. If we don't have the money to do the big projects, that means funding for local projects falls down the ladder."