Madam, - It was most heartening to read Vincent Browne's insightful column of February 20th on the higher risk of fatal cancers among poor and disadvantaged people compared with those who are well-off.
Ireland's Strategy for Cancer Control, published in 2006, says the HSE should make arrangements to monitor inequalities in cancer risks, occurrence, cancer services and cancer outcomes. It is regrettable that a blueprint for action outlining the necessary changes to health policy and the resourcing and management of clinical practice has not been forthcoming.
In the absence of such a blueprint, the strategy's commitments to addressing inequalities may fall to the bottom of a pile of competing priorities. There is so much heated debate on the issues of cancer screening and location of cancer services that the inequality issue is likely to be lost in the fray.
We would urge all those involved in the implementation of the cancer strategy to heed those who do not have a voice, as well as those who shout the loudest. - Yours, etc,
Dr HELEN McAVOY, Senior Policy Officer, Institute of Public Health in Ireland, Bishop's Square, Redmond's Hill, Dublin 2.