Cancer delays are causing avoidable deaths. That was the stark warning from the Irish Cancer Society recently as it highlighted new data showing delays in cancer tests and treatment across Ireland. The Society is calling for increased investment in Budget 2026 in cancer staff, buildings and equipment to ensure target waiting times are met.
The new comprehensive data highlights shocking variation across the country in terms of accessing life- saving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment on time. It also spotlights deeply concerning delays for patients who have been referred for urgent breast and prostate tests.
Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said: “Early treatment dramatically reduces your risk of dying from cancer. A person’s chances of surviving cancer are up to four times higher when treated at Stage 1 than at Stage 4. That’s why the National Cancer Strategy set target waiting times for cancer tests
and treatment. [These] figures highlight alarming failures to meet those targets in many cancer centres, due to shortages of staff, physical space, and equipment. They also reveal a shocking postcode lottery in Irish cancer care, with where you live determining how quickly you can access lifesaving tests and treatment.
“Research published in the British Medical Journal has found that every four-week delay in starting cancer treatment can increase mortality by 10 per cent. So, there is no question that these delays are causing avoidable deaths. Ireland already has the third- highest rate of cancer mortality in Western Europe. With the number of people getting cancer set to double by 2045, things will only get worse if Government doesn’t significantly increase investment in cancer staff, equipment, and buildings in Budget 2026,” she said.
The Society’s pre-budget submission is backed by the Irish Society of Radiation Oncology, the Irish Society of Medical Oncology, the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy, and the Irish Association for Nurses in Oncology.
Dr Michael McCarthy, President, Irish Society of Medical Oncology (ISMO) and Consultant Medical Oncologist at University Hospital Galway, said: “In 2016, the day ward in Galway University Hospital had 13,000 visits. By 2024, that had increased to 25,000. Our doctors, nurses, hospital pharmacists and others have done everything they can to minimise waiting times. However, we simply don’t have enough staff, space, or equipment to cope and patients are paying the price.”
