The country’s first plan which is aimed at increasing the number of symptomatic cancers that are diagnosed at stages I and II has been launched by the HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP)

The Early Diagnosis of Symptomatic Cancer Plan 2022-2025 is the first of its kind in Ireland. It aims to provide a  strategic and comprehensive approach to increasing the number of symptomatic cancers that are diagnosed early.

One in two people will develop cancer at some point in their lives, however, if the disease is diagnosed early, it is easier to treat and outcomes tend to be better.

The six main objectives of the new plan are:

-Strategic planning and collaboration. This involves providing a strategic approach to improving the early diagnosis of symptomatic cancer in Ireland

-Empowering people and communities to recognise and act on signs/symptoms of cancer

-Supporting community healthcare professionals to recognise and refer people with signs/symptoms of cancer

-Identifying and addressing system factors that impact the timeliness of diagnosis of symptomatic cancer

-Identifying knowledge gaps and undertaking research to inform development of early diagnosis initiatives

-Monitoring and evaluating the implementation and impact of the plan.

“If cancer is found early, before it has grown bigger or spread to other parts of the body, it’s easier to treat and there is a better chance of curative treatment and long-term survival. Stage at diagnosis is the most important determinant of survival for most major tumour types. Increasing the proportion of cancers diagnosed at an early stage is a key step in improving cancer survival in Ireland,” commented Dr Heather Burns, a specialist in public health medicine with the NCCP.

The NCCP noted that in the case of lung cancer, this is Ireland’s leading cause of cancer death, however, survival is greatly influenced by stage at diagnosis. For example, around 70% of people diagnosed with stage I lung cancer survive for at least one year compared to just 16% of those diagnosed with stage IV disease.

Furthermore, the five-year survival rate for colorectal, breast and ovarian cancer is high for stage I disease (95%, 94% and 83% respectively), but this falls to just 10%, 19% and 15% respectively for stage IV disease.

Members of the public are being urged to know the signs and symptoms of cancer and to call their GP if they notice any.

For more on the early detection of cancer, click here.