Ireland third highest in EU for cancer due to cost of living barriers to healthcare

Stark new research commissioned by the Irish Cancer Society reveals widespread barriers to healthcare in Ireland and highlights that cancer care will be a key issue for voters in the General Election on November 29.

According to Averil Power, CEO, Irish Cancer Society: “More needs to be done in the next Government to improve patient outcomes and to ensure everyone who receives a cancer diagnosis can access the best possible care, without financial barriers."

The study of 1,000 adults highlights how accessing the right health care at the right time is out of reach for many people. 

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The public were surveyed by Core Research about their experiences with and perceptions of the healthcare sector, and their recommendations for Government.    

Key findings from the Healthcare Access survey found that in Munster, 2 in 5 people in put off going to the GP or hospital because they couldn’t afford to go.

Additionally, 2 in 5 people in Munster have put off seeking healthcare due to pressures in the system and 3 in 10 people in Munster are not confident they can access cancer diagnostic services.

Furthermore, 3 in 10 people in Munster waited too long for any healthcare test or treatment that they paid privately for care.

As the General Election fast approaches, it was revealed that 4 in 5 people in Munster think that health and healthcare will be a factor in their voting intention and 4 in 10 in Munster do not think the government has sufficiently prioritised cancer services in terms of investment.

A further 9 in 10 in Munster think that people with cancer symptoms should have access to diagnostic tests within 10 days.

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Last year, 315 people in Waterford died due to cancer. Every year in Waterford, roughly 650 people are diagnosed with cancer. 

1 in 2 people will get a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime and around 210,000 people will be diagnosed in Ireland over the course of the next government’s term. The Irish Cancer Society have called on the next government to prioritise health and cancer care.

Their three key asks include full funding for the National Cancer Strategy to enable it to deliver promised improvements in health outcomes across the cancer spectrum.

The second ask is for a reduction to the costs brought on by cancer by abolishing hospital car parking charges, providing an automatic entitlement to medical cards and providing vital financial support to patients with a life limiting cancer diagnosis. 

Thirdly, the Irish Cancer Society asks the next government to legislate on the Right to Be Forgotten for cancer patients so they do not have to disclose their cancer diagnosis after 5 years, with independent oversight and penalties for companies who breach this right. 

Averil Power said: “What’s really worrying is the number of barriers facing people trying to access basic healthcare in Ireland today. It's shocking that people are left with no choice but to prioritise heating and eating above paying for medical appointments.

"One in five of us have put off going to a healthcare appointment when we needed to go. For many of us, getting the healthcare we need when we need it is simply out of reach. "

She continued: “We already have the third highest cancer deaths in Western Europe, and Ireland’s cancer rates are expected to double by 2045. So, it’s concerning that more and more people are avoiding healthcare now compared to last year.

"The big risk is that this could result in missed cancers, resulting in late-stage diagnoses and ultimately worse outcomes for cancer patients."

She concluded: "Early detection is crucial to saving lives – people should not be forced to choose between putting food on the table or accessing healthcare when they need it.”  

Other survey findings nationally revealed that just 1 in 5 people believe the Government has invested enough in cancer services, and 9 in 10 people said there was a need for the Government to recruit more healthcare staff.   

People can support the Irish Cancer Society’s call for the next government to improve cancer care and supports by signing the Society’s petition at cancer.ie/petition

If you are concerned about cancer, call the Irish Cancer Society’s Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700. You can also find out more at www.cancer.ie