Lower five-year net survival observed for patients with lung, colorectal, breast and prostate tumours in certain regions.
Cancer survival rates vary across Ireland’s six health regions, with the Midwest showing lower rates for several types of cancer compared to other regions, according to a new report by the National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI).
The report revealed that lung cancer patients in Ireland had an average survival rate of 20.8% between 2009 and 2018. However, the Midwest region had a notably lower survival rate of 16.1%. Similar disparities were observed in colorectal cancer (59.4% in the Midwest vs. 63.5% nationally), breast cancer (80.1% vs. 85.1%), and prostate cancer (90.4% vs. 92.5%).
The report’s authors note that the examined period coincided with the centralization of cancer services, with variable timing across regions. Only one of the eight designated cancer centers, University Hospital Limerick, is located in the Midwest.
Geographically, 60% of all invasive cancers diagnosed between 2020 and 2022 occurred in the three eastern regions, mirroring their population levels. Lung cancer incidence was higher in Dublin and Midlands (596 per 100,000), while prostate cancer incidence was higher in Dublin and Southeast (319 per 100,000).
“Our data points to opportunities for improvement across cancer care, from prevention and early diagnosis to access to services and treatment,” said Prof. [Name], director of the NCRI.
The report also found that 9,800 people died annually from invasive cancer between 2014 and 2018, with lung cancer accounting for 20% of these deaths. In males, the leading causes of cancer deaths after lung cancer were prostate, colon, pancreas, and oesophagus tumors. In females, breast, colon, ovary, and pancreatic cancers followed lung cancer.
Estimates suggest that 220,700 people diagnosed with cancer were alive at the end of 2022. The Covid-19 pandemic led to a shortfall in cancer diagnoses in 2020, but this dropped to 2% in 2022.
“This report offers a comprehensive overview of cancer statistics post-Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting regional health outcome differences and emerging trends in cancer survival rates,” said Dr. [Name], NCRI board chair. “Targeted investments in cancer research, prevention, treatment, and post-treatment care are crucial to improve patient outcomes and community health.”