Experts will gather on Wednesday to discuss the future of cancer treatment in Northern Ireland.
The conference in Newtownabbey, known as Cancer Collaboration in Action, will be hosted by the Public Health Agency (PHA), Northern Ireland Cancer Network and the Health and Social Care Board.
Delegates at Mossley Mill will hear of new developments in cancer services, prevention of the disease and how to improve early detection, diagnosis and follow-up care.
Dr Miriam McCarthy, consultant in public health medicine at the PHA, said: “While cancer survival rates have increased significantly over the past 10-15 years, we cannot be complacent.
“There are around 9,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed each year in Northern Ireland and with more people than ever living with cancer as a chronic illness, more needs to be done.”
She continued: “International benchmarking projects show that the Northern Ireland survival rates for colorectal, lung and ovarian cancer lag behind the best performing countries.”
With people in the most deprived areas of Northern Ireland twice as likely to get cancer as those living in the most affluent areas, Dr McCarthy said a collaborative approach was needed to address the needs of those affected by cancer and the conference would allow them to examine what is already in place.
“Today’s event will provide an opportunity for those involved in cancer services and support to take stock, consider the recommendations and contribute to identifying priorities for the way ahead to positively shape the future of cancer prevention and survival rates in Northern Ireland,” she added.
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