Chambers commits to furthering cancer care in the west

Senator Lisa Chambers has commited to furthering cancer care efforts in response to comments by the Irish Cancer Society.

Comments highlighting the detrimental effects of funding shortages on cancer patient outcomes were made by the Irish Cancer Society at the Oireachtas Committee on Health this week.

Fianna Fáil Midlands Northwest European Election candidate, Senator Lisa Chambers has reaffirmed her commitment to advancing cancer care in the west and northwest of Ireland.

"The comments from the Irish Cancer Society are a stark reminder of the inequities in health outcomes across our country," said Senator Chambers. 

"For years, I've worked alongside Professor Michael Kerin, Professor of Surgery and Director of the Cancer programme for the west and northwest and local councillors in Galway City to champion the necessity of a regional cancer centre at University Hospital Galway. 

“UHG is where patients from the entire west and northwest are treated. As it stands, survival rates in the west are lower than those in the east of the country. This facility is crucial not only for providing care but also for bridging the survival rate gap between the east and west of Ireland,” she added.

Progress has been made in advancing cancer care in the area, with Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly greenlighting the design phase of the new centre last year. 

The development is a milestone for the region, promising to deliver comprehensive cancer services closer to home for thousands of patients.

"As your representative, I pledge to continue this crucial work, ensuring that every individual facing this battle has the support and resources they need. This report is not just data; it represents lives that we have the power to improve," Senator Chambers concluded.