Today, February 4th is World Cancer Day and the Irish Cancer Society is calling on people to question their general election candidates about closing the Cancer Gap. The Cancer Gap means that where you live affects your cancer survival rate. According to Donal Buggy, Head of Advocacy, death rates are twice as high in poor parts of Dublin compared to wealthier postcodes. “Inequalities exist at every step of the cancer journey and people from disadvantaged backgrounds have fewer GPs in their area, wait longer for vital tests for cancer and are less able to cope with the cost of cancer. This has caused a cancer gap between rich and poor.” The Irish Cancer Society are asking the public to tell candidates to commit to changes in three key areas. 1. Fair and Equal Access They must tackle the waiting times for vital diagnostic services such as colonoscopies and commit to introducing Universal Healthcare. 2.  Reduce The Cost Of Cancer Ensure access to a medical card after a cancer diagnosis, reduce the Drugs Payment Scheme threshold and abolish the prescription charge. 3. Cancer Policy Action Maintain commitment to extend screening services, implement a National Cancer Strategy and establish a sub-committee on Health Inequalities. Mr. Buggy said: “We are asking the public to get involved in our campaign on World Cancer Day, as together we can shape policy change that will improve and save lives.” To advocate for change that will benefit cancer patients and their families, our dedicated General Election webpage at www.cancer.ie/cancer-gap contains an e-mail your candidate function, where visitors can tell candidates to put the Cancer Gap at the top of the agenda, along with a helpful canvass card to present to candidates when they call to the door. Lead Image via Getty