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Business Post
23-05-2025
- Health
- Business Post
All-island cancer summit issues an urgent call to action for political leaders
A full house was in Croke Park on Wednesday, May 14 for the inaugural All-Island Cancer Summit, which marked its presence with a call to action for political leaders on the island. The 'Harnessing the Power of Data to Transform Cancer Research, Care, and Innovation across the Island of Ireland' report was unveiled, including an 'All-Island Call to Cancer Data Action' plan, which details seven recommendations designed to fast-track digital transformation to deliver better health and wellbeing. The day began with summit chair Audrey Carville, journalist, broadcaster, and host of RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, welcoming everyone to the room and noting how everyone in this room gives hope to those affected by cancer. The opening address came from Prof Risteárd Ó'Laoide, director of the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme, who detailed the work and effort and his hopes for the following cancer strategy. 'We've had three cancer strategies in ten-year intervals, and it's now time for our next cancer strategy,' he said. 'We want that to be our most ambitious one yet.' The opening keynote was given by Prof Christine Chomienne, vice-chair of Horizon Europe Cancer Mission Boards at the European Commission, who spoke about the European cancer roadmap for 2030. Highlighting the mission approach of connecting all stakeholders to design, create, and implement changes, she stressed the importance of integrating research and health and the fact that you cannot improve what you don't understand. This set the stage for the report's launch. First, Prof Deirdre Heenan, professor of social policy at Ulster University, provided context. One of the key elements in the study was emphasising the difference between cooperation and collaboration, saying '[Collaboration] is about getting together across this island, agreeing on strategic aims, funding them, and owning them together.' This was followed by Siobhan Gaynor, advocate and cancer patient; Mark Lawler, professor of digital health at Queen's University Belfast (QUB) and co-lead of the All Island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI); and Prof Aedín Culhane, professor of cancer genomics and director of the Limerick Digital Cancer Research Centre, who launched the report proper. Lawler mentioned that Northern Ireland's digital transformation took a great step forward with the recent launch of the My Care App. The service allows all Northern Ireland citizens to access their own health records on their phones for the first time. '[It's] a Thomas Edison moment that catapults Northern Ireland into the premier division with Estonia, Europe's digital trailblazer,' he added. 'Ireland needs to urgently progress its own digital health capability, currently decidedly second division, otherwise a generation-defining moment will be lost.' Professor Culhane guided the audience through the seven-point plan, adding that 'we need the right data so that we can make insights that will drive patient research'. It was then time for the day's first panel discussion on delivering an all-island cancer research strategy. This included Dr Deirdre Quinn, senior manager of research and research policy at HEA; Oonagh Ward, head of research and innovation infrastructures at the Health Research Board; Orlaith Gavan, country medical director and chief medical officer at Pfizer Ireland; and William Gallagher, professor of cancer biology at the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science at UCD, and co-lead of AICRI. When asked how the pharmaceutical industry feeds into the development of an all-island strategy, Ward mentioned innovative drug discovery which is where scientific breakthroughs begin, and mentioned how well positioned Ireland is. The following panel discussion was on a wish list for policymakers on the island of Ireland. Lawler returned to the stage and was joined by Averil Power, chief executive of the Irish Cancer Society; David Jones, interim managing director of human health at MSD Ireland; and Mark McCormick, a cancer patient. Jones highlighted the troubling issue of accessibility to new treatments which could be greatly improved, with only 14 of 56 new European cancer treatments licensed here. Before the coffee break, it was time for the Northern Ireland Government Address delivered by Mike Nesbitt MLA, the health minister for Northern Ireland, who reinforced the importance of all-island collaboration to bring better treatment and care. After the networking coffee break and exhibition viewing, the audience split into three streams. The first stream focused on research and innovation, chaired by Carville. The first panel discussion looked at improving clinical trials in Ireland and saw Orlaith Gavan return to the stage alongside Patrick Kivlehan, chair of the patients' consultants committee at Cancer Trials Ireland; Prof Joe O'Sullivan, professor of radiation oncology at the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research in Queen's University Belfast, and Prof Seamus O'Reilly, clinical professor and consultant medical oncologist at UCC and director of Cancer Trials Ireland The next talk saw another speaker return to the stage. This time, it was Professor Culhane, who spoke about how an all-island approach to data sharing can save lives. Next were case studies from START Dublin and Belfast Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, featuring Prof Austin Duffy, consultant medical oncologist at the Mater Hospital, and Vicky Coyle, clinical professor at the School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Sciences at the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research. Dr Margaret Barton-Burke, director of nursing research at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, wrapped up by discussing the various aspects of nursing research. Stream two focused on the next steps for early detection and improved diagnosis. It was chaired by Dr Paul Carroll, GP at Churchtown Medical and media commentator and columnist. This began with two case studies. The first was on breakthrough research from the All-Ireland Cancer Network (AllCaN) Oesophageal Programme, delivered by Helen Coleman, lead of the Cancer Epidemiology Research Group in the Centre for Public Health at Queen's University Belfast. The next was on The All Ireland Cancer Liquid Biopsies Consortium (CLuB) with Prof Lorraine O'Driscoll, professor and chair of pharmacology and biomedicine at Trinity College Dublin, guiding the audience through their work. To wrap up this stream, there was a panel discussion on how to better prioritise patients and outcomes. On stage discussing this were David Galvin, MD FRCS (Urol) and associate professor at UCD; Dr Damien Bennett, director of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry; Kim Hanly, cancer survivor and patient advocate; and Liz Yeates, chief executive of the Marie Keating Foundation. The third stream was on treatment, access, and survivorship, chaired by Marie Chivers, PhD, MPharm, and chief executive and founder of Facilipharma Ltd. This began with a panel discussion on reducing inequalities in cancer care and access to proven-to-work treatments. Alex Wilkes, country president for commercial operations in Ireland for AstraZeneca; Andy Bleaden, communities director of ECHAlliance; Caitriona Duggan, vice president of IPHA; Dr Michael McCarthy, consultant medical oncologist at University Hospital Galway; and Liz Morrison, public affairs manager for Northern Ireland at Cancer Research UK discussed this topic. Next up was a case study on the Women's Health Initiative cancer survivorship clinic, delivered by Prof Josephine Hegarty, chair and professor of nursing at the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery at University College Cork. This was then followed by a panel discussion on putting the patient's experience at the centre of treatment and on what areas need improvement. Finishing up this stream were Dr Ben Jacob, clinical lecturer at the Department of General Practice in RCSI; Ethna McFerran, cancer health economist at the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences; Gerard Ingoldsby, cancer survivor and PPI (Public and Patient Involvement) volunteer at the Irish Cancer Society; and Una Kearns, founder and chief executive of myPatientSpace. After lunch, all attendees returned to the main room for the afternoon sessions, which focused on the future of cancer care. This kicked off with a panel discussion on the role and potential of shared care community-based cancer care in Ireland, which featured Amy Nolan, director of clinical affairs at Irish Cancer Society; Dr Michael McCarthy, consultant medical oncologist at University Hospital Galway; and Lisa Guinan, oncology services manager at TCP Homecare. Guinan highlighted how many of these pilot projects don't advance because they're reliant on funding for 12 to 18 months, adding: 'What happens to our health care teams and the acute setting when the funding runs dry because there is no sustainable pathway for accessing funding in the long term?' The next panel discussion moved on to technological innovation, where the buzzword of the day, AI, was in full focus. This included Miriam Staunton, patient advocate; Ronan Cahill, professor of surgery at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and University College Dublin; Walter Kolch, director of Systems Biology Ireland, and Xosé M Fernández, head of digital oncology network for Europe at IQVIA. When discussing the importance of data interoperability, Fernández mentioned that data alone will not be the solution, but stressed the importance of aiming to be the best in class rather than just good enough. The final panel discussion of the day and wrapping up the summit was on future drug discovery, where Michelle Greene, senior research fellow at the Future Medicines Institute in Queen's University Belfast; Prof Ed Lavelle, professor of vaccine immunology at Trinity College Dublin; and William Gallagher, professor of cancer biology at the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science in UCD and co-lead at AICRI took the stage. Asked about the insights and impacts from AICRI's All-Island Oncology Industry Report, Gallagher mentioned that, alongside the challenges, it highlights major economic potential to develop an oncology cluster. With the first-ever All-Island Cancer Summit concluding, Carville wrapped it up by saying, 'We return to that word hope, such great hope from all of our conversations,' before concluding, 'It's exciting times, but there's lots to do.'
Agriland
21-05-2025
- Health
- Agriland
HSA urges farmers and outdoor workers to prioritise sun safety
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has urged those working in agriculture and other outdoor professions to prioritise sun safety over the summer months. As the warmer months approach, the authority is reinforcing the importance of sun protection for outdoor workers. The HSA said that sun protection should be used even when skies are overcast. Under health and safety legislation, employers have a duty to manage the risks associated with sun exposure and implement measures to protect against this natural source of UV radiation. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland and the number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer is rising. The HSA is encouraging employers, the self-employed, and employees to take 'practical, preventative steps' to reduce the risks of sun exposure. Many jobs, including those in construction, agriculture, horticulture, couriers and postal workers, waste collection and fisheries, involve prolonged outdoor activity, increasing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the associated risks of skin cancer, eye damage and heat-related illnesses. Helen Hourihane, senior inspector with the HSA, said: 'Even on overcast days, ultraviolet radiation can still be at levels that pose a real risk to anyone working outside for long periods. 'It's a common misconception that cloud cover offers full protection. This simply isn't the case. 'When the UV index is 3 or above above, protective measures are needed when working outdoors. In Ireland this is typically between 11:00a.m to 3:00p.m, April to September,' Hourihane explained. The HSA, in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), provide tools and resources for employers in how to ensure their employees are protected. The HSA recommends the following measures for employers: Evaluate UV exposure risks: Review outdoor work routines and environments to identify where workers are at risk; Plan the work: Where feasible, arrange outdoor duties to reduce the time and intensity of exposure to direct sunlight when the UV is strongest; Provide shade: Seek and provide shade where possible, and ensure break areas are provided in shaded or covered locations; Protect skin: Wear suitable clothing such as long-sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, neck-flaps and sunglasses; Supply sunscreen: Make SPF 30+, broad-spectrum sunscreen available and promote its regular use; Training and awareness: Give workers information on the dangers of UV exposure and how to protect themselves. Advise them to self-check skin for any changes and unusual moles or spots. Employees, meanwhile, should take the following protective steps: Dress for the sun: Wear clothing and accessories that shield the skin and eyes from harmful rays; Apply sunscreen regularly: Use SPF 30+ sunscreen at least 20 minutes before outdoor activity and reapply often, especially after sweating; Stay in the shade when possible: Use natural or provided shelter during rest periods; Drink plenty of water: Keep hydrated throughout the day to prevent heat stress. Maria McEnery, cancer prevention officer at the HSE NCCP, commented: 'Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland and is largely preventable by protecting skin with clothing, shade and sunscreen. 'We strongly encourage all outdoor workers to utilise the extensive guidance, tools and awareness materials to help protect themselves and safeguard their health,' McEnery added.
Irish Examiner
02-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Doctors call for public patients to have access to breakthrough therapy for prostate cancer
A new therapy 'likely to change the face of prostate cancer treatment' for men should be funded for public patients, according to almost 40 cancer consultants. The doctors wrote to HSE CEO Bernard Gloster this week asking for negotiations with the makers of Pluvicto to continue. It benefits men with advanced metastatic prostate cancer. It was approved in France earlier this week and is used across eight EU countries and elsewhere. The letter, seen by the Irish Examiner, states they 'understand the complexities involved in decisions of this nature' on funding. 'Clinicians worldwide involved in caring for these patients regard (Pluvicto) as a significant breakthrough therapy for patients with advanced disease,' the letter states. 'It offers the potential to prolong life, delay disease progression, and improve or maintain quality of life even in patients with very advanced disease. In many countries, it is already considered standard of care treatment in these patients.' It was developed for prostate cancer which has spread or metastasised and for men resistant to other treatment. The doctors said: 'Radioligand therapy is likely to change the face of prostate cancer treatment and that of many other cancer types also.' They raised concerns about 'inequitable access' and "a two-tiered system" as patients with the funds can pay for it here. They said this 'goes against many of the key principles set out in the Sláintecare programme'. The group includes members of a National Cancer Control Programme working group. They are Dr Martin Higgins, Cork University Hospital /University College Cork Cancer Centre; Professor Michaela Higgins, Irish Society of Medical Oncology president; Prof John Armstong, Irish Society of Radiation Oncology chairman; and Dr Mathilde Colombié, St Vincent's University Hospital. Other signatories work at CUH, the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork, University Hospital Limerick, University Hospital Galway, the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, and Royal College of Surgeons Ireland. HSE response In response a HSE spokeswoman said: 'The application remains under consideration with the HSE. The HSE cannot make any comment on possible outcomes from the ongoing process.' The application is now with HSE Senior Leadership. In August last year the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics advised against funding when they compared its effects and value against existing treatments. The HSE Drugs Group assessed it last month, and 'unanimously did not recommend favour of reimbursement' the spokeswoman added. 'The HSE robustly assesses applications for pricing and reimbursement to make sure that it can stretch available resources as far as possible and to deliver the best value in relation to each medicine and ultimately more medicines to Irish citizens and patients.' A list of nine criteria are taken into account when making these decisions. These include the public health, benefits of this drug compared to existing care, cost effectiveness, the need for any new drug and the HSE's resources. Read More Prostate cancer screening pilot scheme in Waterford and Dublin
Agriland
01-05-2025
- Health
- Agriland
Campaign to promote skin cancer awareness among farmers
Bord Bia has today (Thursday, May 1) launched a campaign to raise awareness around skin cancer among farmers. The initiative, in partnership with the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland, will run throughout the summer to encourage farmers to protect their skin while working outdoors. Up to August 31, 2025, Bord Bia auditors will distribute SunSmart for Farmers leaflets to all beef, dairy, and sheep farmers during their Bord Bia audit. With approximately 780 farms visited weekly by Bord Bia auditors, the campaign will reach over 12,000 farmers during the peak UV exposure season. Campaign Commenting on the campaign, Eoghan Geraghty, agricultural sustainability co-ordinator with Bord Bia said that the Irish Food Agency is leveraging its access to the Irish farming community to support the HSE and Healthy Ireland's annual SunSmart campaign. 'Over the summer months, Bord Bia auditors will encourage farmers to take and read the SunSmart for Farmers leaflet. 'Through this simple step, we hope to prompt farmers to better protect their skin from the sun every day, whether out in the field, inside the tractor cab, or on a cloudy day,' he said. Farmer Ross Crowe with the SunSmart for Farmers leaflet Ann-Marie Lawlor, senior health promotion and improvement officer with the HSE, added that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with those working outdoors particularly at risk. 'Farmers and other outdoor workers receive two to three times more UV radiation than those working indoors, making them more vulnerable to skin cancer. 'Through this joint initiative with Bord Bia, we're placing life-saving advice directly in farmers' hands. Small protective habits today can make a big difference for long-term health,' she said. Skin cancer The SunSmart for Farmers leaflet outlines clear, actionable steps that farmers can take to protect themselves from sun damage, including checking their skin and moles regularly for changes. The leaflet features the 'ABCDE' checklist to help farmers know when a mole or patch of skin might be melanoma skin cancer: A = Asymmetry: when one half of the mole is not the same as the other.; B = Border: The edges of the mole are irregular, blurry or jagged; C = Colour: The mole is uneven in colour. It might have different shades of black, brown, and pink in it; D = Diameter: This refers to the size of the mole. Melanomas may grow more than 6mm, which is the width of a pencil; E = Evolution. This means that the mole is changing. The mole may change in size, shape, or colour. It may also start to itch or bleed. Normal moles usually stay the same size, shape, and colour. Over 11,000 cases of skin cancer are detected in Ireland annually, with many of those being preventable. Farmers are also advised to follow the 'SunSmart 5S' rule: Slip on clothing that covers your skin such as long-sleeved tops and collared t-shirts; Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, which has a high UVA protection and is water resistant. Apply 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or more often if sweating; Slap on a wide brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and neck; Seek shade, especially if outdoors between 11:00a.m to 3:00p.m when UV rays are at their strongest. Plan your work outdoors early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak UV sunrays. Use trees or portable shade for breaktimes and lunch; Slide on sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Agriland
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Agriland
Farmers urged to be ‘sun smart' over coming months
As Met Éireann forecasts sunny weather for the May Bank Holiday weekend, farmers are being urged to be 'sun smart'. The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) is reminding those spending time outdoors to protect themselves from the damaging effects of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The UV index, available on the Met Éireann website and app, measures the strength of the sun's UV rays so that people know how and when to protect their skin when outdoors. UV is strongest between 11:00a.m and 3:00p.m from April to September. The higher the UV index, the higher the risk of skin and eye damage. When the index is 3 or above, people need to protect their skin and eyes. Sun smart Liz Coleman, deputy head of forecasting at Met Éireann, said that people should not assume that just because there is cloud that the sun's rays are not damaging. She added that enjoying the sun safely means understanding the UV Index, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade during the middle of the day, and using sunscreen. Coleman also highlighted the 'SunSmart 5 S's', even when it is cloudy: Slip on clothing that covers skin as much as possible; Slop on broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB protection) sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, that has high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Reapply regularly; Slap on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and neck; Seek shade especially if outdoors between 11:00a.m and 3:00p.m from April to September when UV from the sun is strongest; Slide on sunglasses. Dr. Breeda Neville, specialist in public health medicine with HSE NCCP, said that being sun smart is just as important here in Ireland as when holidaying abroad. 'From April to September, the sun's UV rays are strong enough to damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer, even on cloudy days,' she said. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 new cases diagnosed every year The HSE also offered the following advice when it comes to applying sunscreen: It is recommended to choose a sunscreen with an sun protection factor (SPF) of 30+ for adults and 50+ for children; Sunscreen should also have a UVA logo, star rating, or PA rating, all of which are used to indicate the level of UVA protection; Apply generously and use more than you think you need. Do not forget your nose, ears, neck, hands, feet, and lips; Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside to allow it to absorb into the skin; Do not forget to reapply every 2 hours or more often after swimming, towel drying, or sweating; Using sunscreen does not mean you can spend longer in the sun; Sunscreen loses effectiveness over time, so always check the expiry date before use; UV rays can penetrate clouds, so it is still important to use sunscreen even on cloudy, overcast days. It is better to protect babies up to 6-months-old from sunlight by using shade and clothing rather than sunscreen.
