“This is a strategy we cannot afford not to implement,” says Cancer Focus NI on 2-year anniversary of NI Cancer Strategy

Two years ago today, the NI Department of Health launched the NI Cancer Strategy. Centred around four themes (Preventing Cancer, Diagnosis and Treating Cancer, Supporting People to Live Well and Die Well, and Implementing the Strategy), this Strategy identifies opportunities to improve cancer care and outcomes across the cancer journey. It comes as cancer incidence is expected to double in the next ~15-20 years and as cancer waiting times continue to deteriorate.

Unfortunately, the Strategy has been sitting largely unfunded and unimplemented since its launch two years ago on 22 March 2022. “This is a strategy we cannot afford not to implement,” says Richard Spratt, Chief Executive of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, in recognition of the health and cost benefits associated with cancer prevention, earlier detection, and improved care. “People in Northern Ireland require and deserve a funded and implemented Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy.”

Watch the full comment on the anniversary of the NI Cancer Strategy here.

Learn more about the importance of the Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy here.