The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has announced a new partnership with Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and St James’s Hospital, which aims to improve the care available to patients with cancer.

As part of this five-year collaboration, the ICS is set to invest €4.5 million in the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute (TSJCI) in order to accelerate the translation of cancer research into new treatments and better supports for patients.

A particular focus will be made on gastrointestinal cancers, which are on the rise among people under the age of 50 in Ireland.

According to ICS chief executive, Averil Power, everyone affected by cancer “deserves access to outstanding cancer treatment and care”. However, cancer cases are currently on the rise and the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on this. As a result, the care and support available to patients needs to be “significantly stepped-up”.

She noted that 35 years  ago, just three in 10 Irish people survived a cancer diagnosis. Today, that figure is six in 10.

“The pace of scientific and medical progress is so remarkable that with sufficient priority and investment, a future where no-one dies of cancer is now within our grasp.

“Having the right supports around you and knowing you are not alone can really help people as they go through cancer. Our plan is to integrate ICS nurses and services at the heart of the hospital experience so we can ensure patients gets access to what they need as soon as that diagnosis is made,” Ms Power explained.

Meanwhile, according to the interim CEO of St James’s Hospital, Noel Gorman, “extensive targeted investment” is required to deal with the challenges posed by cancer in Ireland and improve outcomes for patients.

“This major investment by the ICS in TSJCI programmes for younger patients with gastrointestinal cancers is a statement of intent by both institutions to build a comprehensive collaboration, which will address in a multidisciplinary fashion the myriad problems faced by patients with cancer,” he said.

Ms Power added that this multi-million euro investment would not have been possible without the continued support of ICS fundraisers and volunteers.

“The Irish Cancer Society is 60 years old this year and we feel that this investment is a fitting way to pay tribute to all the volunteers, supporters, patients and staff who have gone before us,” she said.