AQW 13163/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 10/06/2024
Answered On Date: 24/06/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-2032.

Answer:

Significant progress has been made to deliver a number of Cancer Strategy actions, for example:

Two Rapid Diagnosis Centres (RDC) delivering a vague symptoms pathway for people with vague but worrying symptoms which may be cancer, for patients across the region.

Haematology pathway reviews have been completed. Officials are currently implementing the recommendations to help improve service delivery and sustainability.

A review of cancer support services for Adolescents and Young Adults has also been completed, with work progressing to implement the recommendations.

Breast cancer services in Northern Ireland are being reviewed, with view to developing a more resilient and equitable service model.

A directory of cancer support services has been developed to help signpost those impacted by a cancer diagnosis to support services in their area.

Work to develop a Cancer Research Strategy is progressing, with plans to publish during the current financial year.

Northern Ireland was the first part of the UK to commence work to implement an optimal care pathway for pancreatic cancer patients.

Whilst there has been progress, it will not be possible to fully implement the cancer strategy without significant additional investment over the coming years.