Treating cancer with surgery is known as ‘surgical oncology’. Different types of cancer may react to different types of treatment. Each patient will have a treatment plan designed specifically for them.
Surgical Oncology Programme
Access to high quality diagnosis and treatment, at the right time and with the right experts it vital. This is achieved through an integrated national approach. In line with the second National Cancer Strategy, there are eight designated cancer centres. There is also an associated centre in Letterkenny University Hospital. These centres provide adult surgery and multi-disciplinary care for a variety of cancers. Children’s Health Ireland is a ninth cancer centre providing cancer services for children.
In 2009, the NCCP set up breast, lung and prostate rapid access clinics in each of the eight cancer centres. GPs can refer patients with possible cancer for assessment at these clinics. GPs use national referral guidelines to decide which patients to refer for assessment.
The NCCP is working to ensure that designated centres have suitable patient numbers for specific cancers they treat. They ensure that centres have staff with the right skills and knowledge. The purpose of this is to ensure the best outcomes for patients. The most common cancers are treated in all eight cancer centres, e.g. breast cancer. The less common cancers are treated in one or two specialist centres, e.g. brain or pancreas. Patients are referred to the nearest designated Cancer Centre for their cancer type.
While surgery for some cancers is now only in designated centres, other tests or treatment will still be provided in acute hospitals. For example, diagnostics (x-rays, CT scans, blood tests), chemotherapy and palliative care.
Last edited: 12/11/2024
