The number of cervical cancer screenings are down over 50 per cent compared with last year, as a result of the pandemic.
An Oireachtas committee heard that staffing issues and interruptions caused by Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the provision of cancer services.
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health heard that cervical screenings between January and November are down 54 per cent on last year.
In total, 117,000 women were screened in that period, with 24,000 women in last month alone.
Clinical director of Cervical Check Dr Noirín Russel says the HSE will not be able to catch up on the time lost as a result of the pandemic:
The Irish Cancer Society cited staffing issues as a major problem facing the care of patients.
This year, 26 oncology nurses were employed. Professor Risteard O'Loaide of the national cancer control programme says plans are being made to employ more
Lost time
Elsewhere, cancer surgeries are back to 100 per cent capacity but Profesor O Laoide pointed out that, much like with cervical screening, it is not possible to catch up on lost time.
It comes as a Christmas tree with 9 thousand lights, one for each person who has died from cancer this year, will be switched on this evening.
The Irish Cancer Society's Christmas Tree pays tribute to the lives lost in what has been a year like no other.
Conor King, the Irish Cancer Society’s Acting chief executive ahead of what will no doubt be a moving ceremony.
In just under half an hours time, the lights will be switched on by the Kinsella Family, who has a father Robert who died from cancer in August.
Roberts dying wish was to spend his final days in his home of 80 years, a wish that was made possible by the Irish Cancer Society's Night nurse service.
Conor King says the tree is being lit up to also show support to the 44 thousand people have been diagnosed with cancer this year.
