80% of radiotherapy machines need replacement - experts

Cancer experts have warned that over 80% of Ireland's radiotherapy machines need immediate or imminent replacement, with little or no active planning to do so.

They said the consequences of ageing machines impact directly on patients, with breakdowns resulting in missed radiation treatments, delayed treatments and longer treatments.

There may also be a need to outsource treatments to private hospitals.

The Irish Society of Radiation Oncology has told the Oireachtas Health Committee today that in Ireland's public system, there are 23 linear accelerators, which deliver this treatment.

Chairperson of Radiation Oncology at UCC, Aisling Barry, said that 12 of the 14 LINACs in Dublin are beyond their 10-year life span.

She added that five machines in Cork will be due for replacement in three to five years.

Oncology experts are calling for a structured, national replacement programme to ensure access to safe, modern radiotherapy as well as regional equity.

Dr Barry told the committee that it does not mean more money or staff is needed, just rolling funding that would be required in any event to replace these machines.

She said that up to 50% of patients with a cancer diagnosis will require radiotherapy during their illness.

It is responsible for 40% of cancer cures either as the main treatment or in combination with other therapies.

Today's hearing heard that some machines are in use for 18 years, and the cost of a new machine is around €3 million.

The Irish Cancer Society told the committee that day in, day out, it hears from members of the public about difficulties accessing cancer tests and treatments in an appropriate timeframe.

ICS Director of Advocacy and Communications Steve Dempsey said that 44,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and this number is set to rise.

He said that 1,440 patients will not start radiation therapy within the recommended timeframe.

Mr Dempsey said that many patients face a postcode lottery, as machines around the country age and are not replaced as soon as they become outdated.

He said that some machines are in service for 18 years.