Report reveals improving cancer services

Patients with stomach and oesophageal cancer are more likely to receive treatment from expert cancer teams, thanks to a major shake-up in Northern Ireland's cancer services, a new report has claimed.

The report, launched by the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, is the first in a series monitoring changes in cancer services recommended by Chief Medical Officer Dr Henritetta Campbell eight years ago.

The report, which compares services provided in 1996 with those of 2001, revealed that patients are more likely to be investigated and operated on by multidisciplinary teams than in 1996.

There was more information about the extent of a patient's cancer, which in turn led to more appropriate treatments, while discussions with patients and their families were more likely to be recorded, leading to improved communication with GPs and other care providers.

"There was increased involvement of dietitians, palliative care specialists, Macmillan nurses and counsellors. This indicated better availability of these services and more consideration of the long term needs of patients", said Cancer Registry director, Dr Anna Gavin.

"Survival improvements can only come about if patients are detected earlier. This report shows that the most common symptom of oesophageal cancer was difficulty in swallowing but that many patients delayed having symptoms investigated which meant it was more difficult to treat the cancer.”

The benefits of patient support group were also praised in the report, which stressed the need for early detection.

A total of 334 people die each year in Northern Ireland from stomach and oesophageal cancer, while 412 new cases are reported.

(MB/SP)