Ireland faces urgency as National Cancer Strategy nears expiration

Ireland’s current National Cancer Strategy (2017–2026) is approaching its expiration, prompting calls for urgent action to prevent a gap in strategic direction or funding. The Department of Health has announced that an independent review of the current strategy will soon begin, conducted by a panel of international experts. This evaluation is expected to take at least six months and will inform the development of a successor.

Several advocacy groups, including the United Cancer Advocates Network (UCAN) Ireland, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and the Irish Cancer Society, have urged Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to prioritize the development of a new plan. These organizations have called for a clear development timeline with a target publication date no later than the end of 2027, emphasizing the need for meaningful patient involvement and a steering group to guide the process.