Cancer outcomes in Ireland improve over three decades, study finds

Cancer patients in Ireland are living longer than they did three decades ago, with the country’s overall five-year survival rate for invasive cancers rising to 66% for people diagnosed between 2019 and 2023.

The figure compares with 50% for patients diagnosed from 1999 to 2003, according to a National Cancer Registry of Ireland analysis covering 1994 to 2023. The report examines long-term trends in cancer incidence, mortality and survival.

Dr Theresa Redaniel, acting director of the registry, said the findings showed “measurable and encouraging progress in cancer control.” She attributed the improvements to earlier diagnosis and major advances in treatment.

The registry said Ireland has relatively low death rates compared with other European Union member states for cancers associated with early diagnosis, including cervical and colorectal cancer. It also reported better outcomes for cancers in which treatments have improved substantially, such as multiple myeloma and prostate cancer.

Cancer still accounts for almost 30% of all deaths in Ireland. Nearly 10,000 people die from cancer and about 47,000 tumours are diagnosed each year. The registry said rising totals largely reflect demographic change rather than a higher underlying risk. When adjusted for age and population size, cancer incidence has fallen among both men and women.

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Measurable and encouraging progress in cancer control.