Overview
Discover more about NCRI, including why it was established and what its functions are.
Background
NCRI is a population-based Registry, established in 1991, to collate cancer data on people who are resident in Ireland. It operates under a statutory instrument and is funded by the Department of Health.
Commitment
NCRI’s commitment to advancing cancer data collection and research to improve patient outcomes drives everything it does.
Activities
To fulfil its statutory commitments, the NCRI’s duties aren't limited to collecting and analysing data, but also include publishing and disseminating information about cancer in Ireland.
Why is a cancer registry needed?
Cancer is the leading cause of death in adults in Ireland with an estimated one in two individuals expected to receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Cancer incidence is predicted to increase nationally and globally.
NCRI provides essential data for understanding and controlling cancer in Ireland. It's comprehensive cancer data provides vital statistics and insights to inform policy and research, enhance public health initiatives, and improve patient outcomes across Ireland.
30+ years of cancer data
During the past 30 years Ireland has made significant advances in the control of cancer, transforming diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship for patients nationwide. Cancer data collection, analysis and research has been, and will continue to be, fundamental to these advances.
In Ireland, the NCRI plays a key role in improving outcomes for patients and reducing the impact of cancer.
Frequently asked questions
What information is collected?
For every new cancer case in Ireland, the NCRI registers the name, address, sex, date of birth, the type and location of the cancer, how advanced the cancer is, and the primary treatment received by the patient.
Most of this information is extracted by our staff from hospital medical records. In cases where death occurs, NCRI obtain data and cause of death from the death certificate.
What is the information used for?
The information the NCRI collects provides essential insights for:
- Public health planning
- Monitoring and evaluation of services
- Patient care improvements
- Epidemiological research
- Funding and resource allocation
- Advocacy and awareness
Is the information confidential?
Our team of experienced electronic cancer data registrars, IT experts, and researchers and data analysts are committed to maintaining the highest standards of data integrity and confidentiality and respecting the privacy of individuals.
Security measures are of utmost importance. Strong encryption protocols, multi-factor authentication, regular security audits, and strict access controls ensure data remains protected and secure.
How do I get information from NCRI?
Anybody can request information on cancer from NCRI.
NCRI produces an annual statistical report which is downloadable from this site. The primary purpose of this report is to provide an annual overview of cancer incidence, prevalence, mortality, and survival trends within the population.
In addition, by exploring this website you can:
- Engage with NCRI data
- Read NCRI publications and reports
- Read and download cancer factsheets and infographics
- Request a dataset based on your requirements
NCRI invites you to explore its resources and engage with its findings.
NCRI provides patient data for living patients through its subject access request process.
By making its data accessible, NCRI aims to empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, drive policy changes, and ultimately enhance the quality of care and outcomes for cancer patients.