A four-week delay in cancer treatment increases the risk of patient death by about 10%
That's according to Cork Independent TD Michael Collins who was quoting a recent survey and urging the Government to act to address delays and disruptions to cancer treatments
Deputy Collins says pandemic-related disruptions to cancer diagnosis and treatments are having a profound impact on patients and their families who feel forgotten
He is calling for immediate and decisive government intervention.
Speaking to RedFM News Deputy Collins the available data indicates that less cancers are being diagnosed during the pandemic and everyone knows that early diagnosis is crucial to survival outcomes
"When it comes to cancer, it's the top issue that needs to be dealt with immediately. The buck will lie with our Minister. You know, to be waiting for a consultant or waiting for your treatment in these times, this is an extremely serious issue for many families
It is well know that a four week delay, imagine a four week delay, in cancer treatment, leads to a 10% increase in a patients' death"
