Cancer Report Ireland.pdf

The National Cancer Registry of Ireland estimates that approximately 23,890 invasive cancer cases (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) are diagnosed annually during 2017-2019, with 12,770 cases in males and 11,120 cases in females.
This represents a near-doubling of case numbers since the registry's early years (1994-1996), largely due to population growth and aging.
The average annual number of cancer deaths is around 9,000.
Cancer survival rates have improved over time, with ongoing increases in average survival documented.
The number of cancer survivors is growing, with an estimated 180,000 survivors alive at the end of 2017, equivalent to almost 4% of the Irish population.
Ireland ranks high in terms of survival improvements over time compared to six other high-income countries, but still lags behind the best-performing countries in terms of current survival rankings.

Cancer Incidence and Mortality

The estimated annual number of invasive cancer cases (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) is 23,890, with an age-standardized rate of 344.1 per 100,000 males and 294.1 per 100,000 females.
The most common cancer types in males are prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer, while in females, they are breast, lung, and colorectal cancer.
The average annual number of cancer deaths is around 9,000, with an age-standardized mortality rate of 194.1 per 100,000 males and 144.1 per 100,000 females.

Cancer Survival and Prevalence

Five-year net survival rates for patients diagnosed during 1994-2015 have improved over time, with significant increases in survival rates for several cancer types.
The number of cancer survivors is growing, with an estimated 180,000 survivors alive at the end of 2017, equivalent to almost 4% of the Irish population.
The prevalence of cancer in Ireland is estimated to be around 3.4% of the population, with the majority of survivors being diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer.

International Comparisons

Ireland ranks high in terms of survival improvements over time compared to six other high-income countries, but still lags behind the best-performing countries in terms of current survival rankings.
The National Cancer Registry of Ireland participates in international collaborations, such as the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership, to compare cancer survival rates and identify areas for improvement.