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Cancer in Ireland

Cancer is a major public health issue and is the leading cause of death in adults in Ireland, with an estimated 1 in 2 individuals expected to receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. As the Irish population grows and ages, the number of people diagnosed with invasive cancer every year is expected to grow by between 50% and 100% over the 30-year period from 2015 to 2045. NCRI's comprehensive cancer data provides vital statistics and insights to inform research, enhance public health initiatives, and improve patient outcomes across Ireland.

Statistics from NCRI's most recent report

  • 24,207
    Invasive tumours xNMSC per year
  • 9,621
    Deaths per year
  • 1 in 2
    Lifetime

Most common

  • Prostate
  • Breast
  • Lung
  • Colorectal

Men

Prostate
32%
Colorectal
11%
Lung
10%

Women

Breast
32%
Lung
11%
Colorectal
9%

Deaths in Ireland

Top causes of death as per recent report
  • Lung
  • Breast
  • Colorectal
  • Prostate

Men

Lung
21%
Prostate
12%
Colorectal
11%

Women

Lung
20%
Breast
17%
Colorectal
10%

Did you know?

May is
skin cancer awareness month

11,556 

skin cancer cases 

diagnosed annually in Ireland

Skin cancer accounts for 

34% 

of all invasive cancers in Ireland

227 

skin cancer deaths per year in Ireland

Skin cancers are the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Ireland

NMSC

Non melanoma skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer in Ireland 

Melanoma 

is a more serious type of skin cancer but is much less common than non melanoma skin cancer