Consultation launched on cancer control

A public consultation has been launched on a new Cancer Control Programme for Northern Ireland.

The report aims to deliver improvements in the delivery of cancer services and outcomes for patients.

The programme highlights the importance of lifestyle factors in preventing cancer and the need for the public to be more pro-active in reporting possible cancer symptoms at an early stage.

The report's 55 recommendations span every aspect of cancer care and aim to improve the quality of cancer services across Northern Ireland.

Health Minister Paul Goggins said: "It is vital that we do all that we can to control cancer, taking steps to improve the public's response to key health messages about prevention and the early detection of cancer and ensuring that our health and social care services deliver the best possible outcomes for patients from the resources that are available. Everyone has their part to play in meeting the challenge posed by cancer and this document marks an important step forward in meeting that challenge.

"The Cancer Control Programme provides a strategic context for the development of cancer services over the next decade and aims to deliver improvements in the treatment and care of cancer patients at every stage of their cancer journey."

The Minister continued: "I would encourage members of the public, health service organisations and other healthcare professionals to take the opportunity to read the Cancer Control Programme and to make their views known through the consultation."

The Cancer Control Programme has been developed by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and represents the first element of an overarching regional framework for cancer services that will set out clear standards for the quality of cancer care in NI.

Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive, Ulster Cancer Foundation said: “We welcome the new Cancer Control Programme for Northern Ireland which has just been launched for public consultation. The Ulster Cancer Foundation has always been a vigorous and independent voice for the improvement of cancer services, healthy public policy and patients’ rights.

“We will eagerly be responding to this consultation as we believe it is vital that plans for the future take all factors into consideration in order to make a real difference for people with cancer in our community.

“We will be in contact with our user groups for input on the consultation’s recommendations and we look forward to helping shape a programme which will improve the delivery of cancer services and greatly improve the outlook for cancer patients in Northern Ireland.”

(SP/EF)