Ireland's Cancer Care Disparities Highlight Risks for Patients

A recent report has uncovered stark disparities in cancer care across Ireland, revealing a troubling 'postcode lottery' that significantly impacts patient outcomes. According to data from the Irish Cancer Society, a new cancer diagnosis occurs every three minutes in the country, yet access to timely tests and treatments varies dramatically based on geographic location.

The report highlights that only 74.2% of men received their prostate rapid access clinic appointments within the recommended 20 working days—well below the 90% target. For instance, while over 80% of patients in Cork and Limerick met the target, only 12.7% of those in Galway did. Similarly, access to breast and lung cancer care exhibited major regional disparities, with 96.6% of patients in Waterford receiving timely radiotherapy, compared to just 62% in Dublin’s Beaumont Hospital.

Averil Power, Chief Executive of the Irish Cancer Society, expressed concern, stating, "These delays are causing avoidable deaths and must be addressed. When someone hears the words 'you have cancer,' they deserve prompt and effective treatment."

The data, which covers the period from March 2024 to February 2025, indicates that many patients are experiencing excessive wait times for essential tests. For example, one woman was forced to wait 169 days for an urgent breast assessment at the Mater Hospital in Dublin. Nationally, nearly one in four women referred for urgent testing at Breast Rapid Access Clinics did not receive timely appointments; at the Mater, 70% of patients were not seen within the required timeframe.

Moreover, a significant portion of patients referred to Prostate Rapid Access Clinics faced delays, with only 13% seen on time at Galway University Hospital. Delays were also evident in chemotherapy access, particularly in Letterkenny University Hospital, where only 20% of patients started treatment on time, and some months saw no patients treated as per the schedule.

The situation for radiotherapy is similarly dire, as only 66% of patients in public hospitals commenced treatment within the recommended 15 working days. In St Luke’s Hospital, Dublin, this figure dropped to 62%.

These prolonged wait times raise serious concerns about patient well-being and survival rates. Research published in the British Medical Journal indicates that every four-week delay in cancer treatment can lead to a 10% increase in mortality. The need for timely access to care is underscored by the fact that the survival rate for many cancers is substantially higher if detected early. For instance, the likelihood of survival can be as high as 80% at stage one but drops to below 20% at stage four.

The lack of adequate resources—including staffing, equipment, and hospital space—further exacerbates the issue. Many cancer centers are struggling with staffing shortages, outdated equipment, and insufficient facilities. According to Dr. John Smith, a leading oncologist at Trinity College Dublin, "The inadequacies in staffing and equipment must be rectified to ensure effective cancer care delivery. We need urgent investment in our healthcare infrastructure to ensure that all patients receive the care they need, regardless of their location."

In preparation for the review of the National Development Plan, the Irish Cancer Society is urging the government to prioritize investment in public cancer centers. They argue that without immediate action, the number of patients diagnosed with cancer during the current coalition’s term could reach nearly a quarter of a million, with many facing potentially life-threatening delays in treatment.

In summary, the findings underscore a critical need for systemic changes to ensure equitable access to cancer care across Ireland. As the country grapples with rising cancer rates, addressing these disparities is essential for improving survival outcomes and ensuring that all patients receive timely and effective treatment.