The National Cancer Control Programme recently launched a national Hereditary Cancer Model of Care at our offices on Parnell Street, which was the culmination of many months of work by a broad multidisciplinary Advisory Group.
This Hereditary Cancer Model of Care provides the blueprint for the necessary development of services for the identification and management of people with an inherited cancer predisposition (e.g. Lynch syndrome or BRCA gene cancer risk), in order to harness the power of genetics to reduce cancer risk, and improve patient outcomes and quality of life. It complements the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland (launched in Dec 2022), which addresses a number of the key enablers such as building the genetics and genomics workforce and strengthening our infrastructure.
A number of the Advisory Group members in attendance (L to R) - Mary Forry, Claire Giffney, Rory Kennelly, Louise Mullen, Lisa Bradley, Pat Fahey, Triona McCarthy, Risteárd Ó Laoide, Karen Cadoo, Lisa Cadden
Speakers at the launch gave an overview of the Model of Care and of initiatives underway within hereditary cancer services. Mr Pat Fahey and Ms Jean O’Neill provided valuable insight to the patient experience of living with an inherited predisposition to cancer.
Speakers at the launch (L to R) – Rory Kennelly, Noelle Cullinan, David Gallagher, Bernie Carter, Jean O’Neill, Yvonne Hanhauser, Marie Duff, Pat Fahey, Risteárd Ó Laoide, Triona McCarthy
The model of care will ensure/support the development of:
- Development of national guidance to underpin standardised best practice, including mainstreaming of cancer genetic testing
- Equitable access to hereditary cancer services for all
- Clear governance and clarity regarding the roles of national genetics and genomic structures, specialist cancer genetics services and regional cancer predisposition services, within an overarching model of care
- Commitment to the Sláintecare principles of right person, right place, right time – through the integration of genetic assessment and testing into regional services, with access to specialist genetic expertise as required
- Maximal use of technological solutions
- Timely access to genetics assessment and testing, including specialist cancer genetics expertise as required
- Timely access to clinical management of cancer predisposition, including risk reduction options
- Comprehensive and coordinated approaches to ongoing management
- Quality assurance of service
- Access to high quality patient information, psychological support and peer support for patients
- Education and training of health care professionals, including accredited training for those delivering mainstreamed pathways
Attendees at the launch (L to R) – Rory Kennelly, Roberta Horgan, Pat Fahey
Attendees from the Marie Keating Foundation at the launch (L to R) - Yvonne Hanhauser, Jean O’Neill, Krista Costello, Bernie Carter, Lisa McElwaine
More information at https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/profinfo/hereditary-cancer-genetics/
Last updated on: 02 / 08 / 2023
