A Cork TD is calling on the Health Minister to urgently prioritise cancer services.
Michael Collins says people are terrified of having their cancer treament delayed and says Covid cannot be used as an 'excuse' for delayed diagnosis and treatment.
The West Cork Deputy has cited a recent study that found that a four week delay in cancer treatment increases the risk of patient death by around 10 per cent.
Research by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland has found that as many as one in 8 cancers that were predicted to be diagnosed in 2020 were not.
Speaking to RedFM News, Michael Collins outlined his demands for the Health Minister.
"Patients and families are terrified of having their treatment delayed, or their consultation delayed or put off, and a lot of people feel very much forgotten.
"What we're calling for is an urgent plan from the Minister for Health immediately in relation to cancer, and a pathway for patients who have been referred by their doctor to their consultant that they be seen immediately, and that treatment begins immediately."
