Queens University Professor warns NI 'ticking time bomb' when it comes to cancer care

A Queen's University Professor is warning Northern Ireland is at the bottom of the league table when it comes to a cancer plan.

Professor Mark Lawler is calling on the Health Minister to prioritise the cancer strategy here.

A ten year action plan was launched in 2022 but Prof Lawler claims it has not been implemented.

Mr Lawler is the Professor of Digital Health at Queen’s University Belfast and is calling for urgent action:

Professor Lawler commented: “Cancer is our most feared diagnosis, affecting 1 in 2 of us in our lifetime. We’re at a critical moment for cancer care in the UK. Will we stand by as cancer outcomes continue to decline and patients die who could have been saved, or will we take decisive steps to fix this crisis?

“Our research shows that countries with dedicated cancer plans and consistently implemented policies achieve better survival rates. If there was ever a time to act and ensure the UK leads in cancer care rather than lagging, it is now. It is utterly incomprehensible that a country like ours does not have a NCCP. The current Government may have inherited this problem from the last one, but it's like being handed a ticking time bomb.

“Northern Ireland is of at the bottom of the international league table for cancer policy consistency. Thankfully, Northern Ireland’s Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, has recognised that cancer needs to take precedence going forward.

“I urge the Government to work with us, harness the solutions we know can make a real difference, and deliver the cancer plan that this country urgently needs. We need a cancer service fit for the future, and we need it now.”

In a statement, the Department of Health said it acknowledges that performance against cancer targets in Northern Ireland is unacceptable.

"The Cancer Strategy, published in 2022, sets out a 10 year plan to transform the way in which cancer services are delivered, improving outcomes for patients.

"We are committed to delivering the actions set out in the Cancer Strategy, and have already seen significant recurrent investment in oncology and haematology services, the establishment of Rapid Diagnostic Centres and other services.

"Work is also progressing to develop new care pathways, including for Pancreatic Cancer where Northern Ireland was the first part of the UK to commit to implementing an optimal care pathway.

"Additional investment is needed to deliver the services required to ensure that cancer patients receive the necessary care and support."