End of Year: Irish Cancer Society

Written by Ciarán D’Arcy, Communications Officer, Irish Cancer Society

Cancer care was particularly challenging due to the dual threats of Covid and the HSE cyberattack. The Irish Cancer Society dedicated a resultant strong focus on catching cancers that may have gone undetected during the pandemic.

Research found that 1 in 6 people were choosing not to attend a GP with health concerns. This was amid the ongoing uncertainty caused by the pandemic. Therefore it prompted concern in relation to symptomatic potential cases.

In response to this the Irish Cancer Society rolled out a series of early detection campaigns.

This is to encourage anyone with cancer symptoms to see their doctor. This was utilising the heightened focus associated with high-profile awareness events for a range of malignancies. This is in addition lung, breast, bowel and skin cancers. We wanted to connect with members of the public about their health concerns and signpost them for help.

These efforts culminated in the Society’s first-ever Your Health Matters early detection roadshow. We visited shopping centres around the country from September, offering free health checks and providing information on cancer symptoms.

Beyond the importance of physical wellbeing, we are also acutely aware of the great emotional hardship visited on patients over the course of a turbulent and unpredictable year.

We are committed to helping cancer patients navigate their way through a troubling and similarly traumatic period. The pandemic in addition to the fallout from the cyberattack caused this.

We hope and prepare for better times ahead for our cancer community. In conclusion we continue to encourage anyone in need of help, advice or even just a listening ear to get in touch.

Our Support Line on 1800 200 700 and SupportLine@IrishCancer.ie.

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