3261. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if the recognition of childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer as a distinct priority area will be maintained in the next National Cancer Strategy; to confirm that the new Strategy will include survivorship, late effects, psychosocial support and quality of life outcomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55458/26]

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).

While survival rates for childhood, adolescent and young adult (CAYA) cancers are high, the current National Cancer Strategy reflects the fact that CAYA cancer patients are a small group within the oncology community with diverse, highly specialised service and support needs distinct from adult cancer patients. The Strategy seeks to deliver the tailored comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to the specific needs of this population, who are undergoing intensive physiological and psychosocial change during their cancer journey.

Over the course of the Strategy there have been a number of key advances in services for CAYA cancer patients, including the designation of the National Children’s Cancer Service at Crumlin as Ireland’s 9th Designated Cancer Centre (2017), a Care and Support Framework for AYA cancer patients (2022), Ireland’s first Psycho-Oncology Model of Care for CAYA patients, networked national services, dedicated national MDT and new services.

The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) is continuing to work in partnership with healthcare professionals, survivors, voluntary organisations and other key stakeholders to develop a national approach to long-term follow-up and survivorship care for children, adolescents and young adults affected by cancer. This work includes the development of a centralised survivorship hub to support care coordination, navigation and access to appropriate services. Psychosocial care is integral to these developments to address the long term and late effects of childhood, adolescent and young adult cancers.

As the current National Cancer Strategy approaches its conclusion, an evaluation will be carried out later this year in consultation 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, 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.