Latest news with #NationalCancerControlProgramme
The Journal
7 hours ago
- Health
- The Journal
Cancer diagnoses could double by 2045 without urgent action, warns Irish Cancer Society
IF THE GOVERNMENT does not act urgently, the toll on people in Ireland as well as our health service will be 'immense', the Irish Cancer Society warned today. This is because, CEO Averil Power said, without such action, 'the number of people getting cancer in Ireland is expected to double by 2045″. The pre-budget submission of the charity called for Government to 'invest now to reduce the number of people getting cancer and ensure the best possible outcomes for those who do'. A key ask for Budget 2026 is for the National Cancer Control Programme to be allocated 'at least €20 million in new recurrent development funding'. A commitment to multi-annual funding was also emphasis, with Power saying this is needed 'to enable effective planning for future service growth'. 'Irish people are more likely to get – and die – from cancer in Ireland than in many other European countries,' Power said, citing the OECD/European Commission Country Cancer profile for Ireland. Ireland has the second highest rate of new cancer diagnoses in the EU, and the third highest cancer mortality rate in Western Europe. She said: These shocking statistics must serve as a wakeup call to Government. Delays in diagnosis and treatment 'are Ireland's biggest obstacle to improved cancer outcomes', according to Power. Among the budgetary asks, the Irish Cancer Society is looking for funding for the expansion of treatment facilities, investment to ensure timely diagnostic tests and an additional €30 million for new cancer medicines. New cancer diagnosis every three minutes Statistics provided by the Irish Cancer Society show that 44,000 people are now diagnosed with cancer in Ireland every year – one person every three minutes. Advertisement Over 220,000 are living beyond their cancer diagnosis. But people continue to wait for diagnostic tests, according to the charity. Up to 2,800 people are waiting more than four weeks for an urgent colonoscopy. At the end of 2024, over 190,000 were waiting over three months for a diagnostic scan such as an MRI, CT or ultrasound. Once diagnosed, delays in treatment are occuring. Investment to address this is listed as a priority action. Two in five people with lung cancer and three in ten people with breast cancer did not get their surgery within the recommended timeframe in 2023. Delays can affect a person's chance of surviving cancer as well as leading to great anxiety, according to the charity. It is also calling for funding of awareness campaigns 'on the addictive and harmful effects of nicotine products', including vapes and nicotine pouches, and for adequate funding of programmes that help smokers quit. Sunscreen dispensers in public places as well as funding to build structures to provide shade in playgrounds and schools are proposed. 'We deserve the best possible chance of surviving the disease,' Power said. 'Sadly, too many Irish people are not getting that at present.' — Have you been affected by delays in diagnosis and treatment of cancer? The Journal Investigates is examining this issue. Please get in touch with us by emailing investigates@ Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
HSE issues warning over sunbed use as skin cancer diagnoses rise above 11,000
The HSE has said there are 'lessons to be learnt' from Australia, where a ban on commercial sunbeds has been in place since 2016. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with more than 11,000 cases diagnosed every year. An event is being held by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and the Institute of Public Health (IPH) to discuss sunbed use in Ireland and explore future options for reducing skin cancer in Ireland "Skin cancer is a significant public health problem in Ireland,' public health specialist for the NCCP Dr Breeda Neville said. "The majority of skin cancers are caused by UV exposure, which means that skin cancer is largely preventable by protecting your skin from the sun's UV rays and by not using sunbeds.' Skin cancer diagnoses include cases of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Selling or hiring a sunbed to anyone under 18 is already illegal in Ireland, while a mandate to 'explore ways to ban commercial sunbed use' is included in the Programme for Government. The HSE has said using a sunbed is 'never safe' and exposing the skin to UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds damages skin cells, accelerates visible signs of ageing and increases the risk of developing skin cancer. 'There is a precedent for the successful banning of sunbeds. Australia introduced an outright ban on commercial sunbeds in 2016,' Craig Sinclair of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said at the event. "The measure has enjoyed strong public support and has undoubtedly prevented thousands of skin cancers and delivered an estimated saving of over AU$64 million to the Australian Health system.' The use of UV-emitting devices like sunbeds is classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). An IARC study has found using a sunbed for the first time before the age of 35 can increase the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer by 75pc. 'We have recently undertaken a comprehensive assessment of sunbed use in Ireland,' Minister of State for Public Health Jennifer Murnane O'Connor said. "The findings will inform the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan and provide policy options to reduce skin cancer risk. The Institute of Public Health looks forward to publishing our report in the coming weeks.'
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
HSE confirms €2.3m investment to improve cancer services in the south west
The HSE has confirmed a €2.3m investment to improve cancer services in the south west. HSE South West has announced the "major" investment by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) to improve cancer care across the region over the next 18 months. The funding will support eight new projects and create 16.5 new healthcare jobs, including nurses, doctors and oncology support staff. The new posts include specialist nursing support for patients in the rapid access lung service, a new family breast cancer pathway, which will aid in early detection, and a new post for a regional team supporting adolescents and young adults with cancer. It will also include recruitment of a new patient support worker for breast cancer patients as well as recruitment of a senior occupational therapist and speech and language therapist to support an increased number of patients and families. HSE South West regional executive officer, Dr Andy Phillips, said the investment shows a deep commitment to improve cancer care for everyone in the region. He said: It's not just about funding - it's about compassion, care and trust. "We are building services that people can rely on during some of the most difficult times in their lives. With this support, we can offer faster diagnosis, better treatment, and more help for families and survivors. "Our teams are dedicated to delivering care with kindness and professionalism, and this funding will help us do even more for our communities," Dr Phillips said. The HSE said the investment "will bring tangible improvements to cancer services, with additional staff for early cancer diagnosis clinics and extra supports for families at risk of cancer". Additional new services will also be developed, such as the provision of special care for teenagers and young adults with cancer, and the development of personalised cancer treatment expertise. The new services will support people after their treatment ends and some of the funding will go toward the acute oncology service, helping cancer patients avoid the emergency departments. CUH clinical director of cancer services Dr Dearbhaile Collins said: 'These additional staff will support many essential services across the region. Importantly, they will provide specialised care to our adolescent and young adult patients with cancer, patients on oral anti-cancer treatments, and the ongoing care of our cancer survivors. "Furthermore, they will reinforce our family history clinics to improve early detection, rapid access clinics, bladder cancer surgical care and the crucial acute oncology services. "We are also proud to announce that one of these positions will enable the region to lead out on the national molecular tumour board programme.' Most of these new staff will be based at Cork University Hospital, with some roles located at Mercy University Hospital and University Hospital Kerry. Recruitment for the new oncology staff members is progressing.
RTÉ News
19-06-2025
- Climate
- RTÉ News
Warmest day of year as 27C recorded in Co Roscommon
A temperature of 27C has been recorded at Mount Dillon in Co Roscommon, making it, provisionally, the hottest day of the year. Met Éireann said that, pending verificiation, it beats the 25.9C reached in Athenry, Co Galway on 30 April. The record could be broken again tomorrow when temperatures of up to 29C are forecast in long spells of sunshine. Met Éireann said that tomorrow will be "very warm or hot" with "highest values over the northern half of the country". However, showers are also possible in humid conditions and they may be heavy at times. Provisional highest temperature of the year so far, recorded at #MountDillon, Co Roscommon 📍 this afternoon. Beats the previous high of 25.9 °C at Athenry on April 30th. 🌡️ #BeSummerReady #SunSmart — Met Éireann (@MetEireann) June 19, 2025 The warm weather is expected to continue on Saturday, with sunny spells and showers, but temperatures will be lower, with a high of 25C. It will be fresher and breezier on Sunday and Met Éireann said that similar conditions will likely prevail early next week. #Pollen Forecast🌱🌳🤧📈 ➡️ High levels expected for today & the coming days. ➡️Grass, nettle & weed pollen in particularly high levels expected. ➡️Medium to high concentrations expected for grass, nettle & weed pollen. Stay protected. For moreℹ️ — Met Éireann (@MetEireann) June 19, 2025 It comes as the UK record for the warmest day of 2025 was broken twice today A temperature of 32.2C was measured in Kew, west London, hours after 30.8C was reached in Wisley, Surrey. Much of Britain is expected to be under "heatwave conditions" over the weekend. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert for England that will remain in force until 9am on Monday. The agency warned that "significant impacts are likely" across health and social care services because of high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions. Heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the threshold for that location. Across much of the north and west of Britain, this threshold is 25C, but in greater London and the south-east, it is higher, at 28C. HSE urges people to use sun protection The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland are advising people to use sun protection. Skin cancer is the most common form of the disease in Ireland with over, 11,000 cases annually, and 1,200 melanoma cases - the most serious form of skin cancer - diagnosed each year. It comes as the NCCP and Healthy Ireland launched the annual 'SunSmart' campaign. They advise people to use suncream with SPF 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, wear hats, sunglasses and clothing that covers the skin, and to avoid direct sunlight. "The more time you spend unprotected in the sun, the more UV damage your skin is exposed to which increases your risk of skin cancer, including the deadliest form - melanoma," Dr Breeda Neville of the NCCP said.
Agriland
19-06-2025
- Health
- Agriland
Farmers need to be ‘sun smart' to reduce skin cancer risk
With the sunny weather forecast in the coming days, the Health Service Executive (HSE) National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland are reminding people that sun safety is not just for trips abroad. The sun can be strong enough to cause sun damage from the start of April to the end of September in Ireland, according to the HSE. Whether you're out in the fields, heading to the beach, grabbing a coffee or relaxing in the garden, it is important to use sun protection each day between April to September, even on cloudy days. Minister of State for public health, wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor said: 'Being active outdoors is good for our health and wellbeing, but everyone needs to be aware that exposure to the sun can be very harmful if we're not appropriately protected. 'I am encouraging everyone to take action to enjoy the sun safely and reduce their risk of skin cancer. It's very simple, just follow the five Healthy Ireland SunSmart steps whether you're at home or abroad. Your skin will thank you for it.' Skin cancer risk To reduce skin cancer risk, it is important to protect your skin when outside, especially from April to September when UV rays from the sun are strongest. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases annually. Yet in most cases, skin cancers could be prevented, according to the HSE. Data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) show that over 1,200 cases of melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer, are diagnosed in Ireland every year. This figure is projected to rise to over 3,000 cases per year by 2045. Specialist in public health medicine at the HSE's NCCP, Dr. Breeda Neville said: 'Melanoma skin cancer is strongly linked to intermittent, high-intensity UV radiation exposure which can occur during outdoor recreational activities like sunbathing or water sports, or if you use a sunbed. 'The more time you spend unprotected in the sun, the more UV damage your skin is exposed to which increases your risk of skin cancer, including the deadliest form – melanoma. Follow the SunSmart 5 S's whether at home or abroad this summer.' Almost nine in 10 cases of skin cancer could be prevented by following the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S's to protect your skin: Slip on clothing that covers your skin such as, long sleeves, collared t-shirts; on clothing that covers your skin such as, long sleeves, collared t-shirts; Slop on sunscreen – use sunscreen with SPF 30+ for adults and 50+ for children which provides high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Reapply regularly; on sunscreen – use sunscreen with SPF 30+ for adults and 50+ for children which provides high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Reapply regularly; Slap on a wide brimmed hat; on a wide brimmed hat; Seek shade – sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight; – sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight; Slide on wraparound sunglasses. As well as the 5 S's the HSE has said that it is important to remember not to deliberately try to get a suntan. Avoid getting a sunburn and never use a sunbed. Patient advocate for the 2025 SunSmart campaign, Jacinta O'Brien is raising awareness of the importance of skin protection: 'I was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer when I was 38. I've had three surgeries, targeted treatment, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. 'While I feel that I was quite safe with the sun obviously being fair skinned, I do know that in my early 20s I was at many concerts and festivals and days out where I probably wasn't as good as I should be in applying sunscreen. 'When you're younger you think you're invincible and you don't think it's ever going to be you. You don't need to have prolonged exposure to the sun to get skin cancer. 'It's so important to sit in the shade where possible, cover up with clothing and apply sunscreen on exposed skin to protect yourself even when you do think it may be overcast.'
