Written answer
Departmental Strategies
Evaluation of the current National Cancer Strategy, involving patients and stakeholders, will inform the next strategy; no publication timeline has yet been set.
3260. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the development and publication of the next National Cancer Strategy; the process for stakeholder and patient involvement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55457/26]
Comment on this
The Government is committed to the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy, supported by the reforms and investment delivered under Sláintecare. We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy since its launch in July, 2017.
My Department has invested heavily in the National Cancer Strategy and associated initiatives in recent years, enabling the further development of our national cancer services and leading to improved outcomes for cancer patients.
National Cancer Registry of Ireland data shows substantial progress being made to control the four major cancers (prostate, breast, lung and colorectal), with mortality rates falling or stabilising for each. These comprise over half of all invasive tumours (not including rarely fatal non-melanoma skin cancers).
Wide consultation and collaboration with patient groups and advocacy organisations takes place on an on-going basis. Patients are involved through participation in working groups, regular consultation, and the appointment of patient representatives to projects. The NCCP maintains a formal policy on patient engagement and has a Patient Engagement Manager who co-ordinates and monitors partnerships of patients and projects
It is essential that we continue to build on our investment and progress. As the current National Cancer Strategy comes to its conclusion, an evaluation on the current National Cancer Strategy will be carried out later this year. The evaluation will be carried out by working closely with key stakeholders such as the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland. Stakeholders also include patients and their families, which includes my Department's Cancer Patient Advisory Committee, healthcare professionals, government agencies, research institutions, advocacy groups, and the pharmaceutical industry, among others.
The conclusion of this evaluation process will inform next steps to be taken. As the evaluation has not yet concluded, it would not be appropriate to set deadlines on development or completion of any new strategy at this time.