Reference: February 2024 | Issue 2 | Vol 10 | Page 22
The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) is reminding oncologists and GPs about the vast range of information and support services it provides to help the 42,000 people diagnosed with cancer every year.
The ICS is the biggest producer of cancer information in Ireland. All material is evidence-based, peer reviewed, and updated regularly. It has 100 publications, almost 800 webpages, and five patient education programmes in video format, with new videos due this year.
Throughout 2024, it will run cancer awareness campaigns, promoting symptom awareness and early detection at community events in its hospital-based Daffodil Centres, and across its social media channels.
The Covid pandemic had a devastating impact on the diagnosis and management of cancer in Ireland, the results of which are still being felt today. Preliminary data on the impact of the pandemic indicates that the number of cancer cases diagnosed in 2021 was down 1,665 cases, or 6 per cent lower than projected. In 2020, it was 10 per cent. The combined number of missed cancers from 2020 and 2021 tells us that one-in-12 expected cancers were not detected over the first two years of the pandemic.
The full National Cancer Registry Ireland annual report for 2021 can be accessed at: www.ncri.ie/sites/ncri/files/pubs/NCRI_COVIDImpactIncidence2021_Report2023.pdf
Aoife McNamara, Head of Education and Engagement with the ICS said: “We don’t yet have the full picture of whether these cancers were diagnosed at a more advanced stage, but what we do know is that the later the stage of diagnosis, the more complex, more costly, and more invasive cancer is to treat. These patients need more support and more information.”
All of the ICS’s information is available free of charge. Copies of print publications can be ordered for hospitals and GP surgeries at: www.cancer.ie/about-us/cancer-resources-and-publications.
As well as cancer information, the ICS also provides a range of services for people affected by cancer including its support line Freephone 1800 200 700, which is staffed by specialist cancer nurses, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. A telephone interpreting service is also available.
Daffodil Day
Daffodil Day 2024 will take place on 22 March. The annual event helps to fund the ICS’s vital free services, such as transport to and from cancer treatment, the Freephone support line and Daffodil Centres that are staffed by experienced cancer nurses, the night nursing service providing end-of-life care, and counselling services for anyone affected by cancer.
Each year the ICS plants thousands of daffodils inscribed with their supporters’ personalised messages of hope, remembrance, and aspiration. Each daffodil planted is a symbol of kindness as the country comes together to support people affected by cancer.
To fundraise or get involved this year, you can register your interest online at: fundraise.cancer.ie/coming-soon.
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