National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026

The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 was launched on 05 July 2017.  This is the third National Cancer Strategy.

There has been no previous mention of oral or dental health needs or the role of the dentist in the previous National Cancer Strategies (1996-2006 and 2006-2016).

I am delighted to let you know that we have a small, but significant,  mention in the 2017-2026 National Cancer Strategy (see below).

This was based, in part,  on a submission to the National Cancer Strategy Group from the Mouth Head Neck Cancer Awareness Ireland (MHNCAI) Group represented by MH&N Cancer Survivors, Dental Health Foundation, Irish Cancer Society, Irish Dental Association and the Dental Schools in UCC and TCD.

It has also been due in no small part by the fantastic support of the Dublin Dental University Hospital, staff and students, for all the Mouth Cancer Awareness Days over all the years since 2009.

I hope that this recognition of the role of the dental team wil help us to develop staffing and resources to provide the necessary care for our Mouth Head Neck Cancer patients.