Latest Annual Statistical Report from the National Cancer Registry just published

Over 50% increase in numbers of cancer survivors compared with a decade ago.

NCRI Annual Report 2022 report cover

The National Cancer Registry (NCRI) has today published its 2022 Annual Statistical Report: Cancer in Ireland. 1994 – 2020.  This report on the status of cancer in Ireland includes updated statistics on cancer incidence, mortality and survival for patients diagnosed in Ireland 1994 – 2020.

The report can be found here.

Key findings include:

  • Over 50% increase in numbers of cancer survivors compared with a decade ago as, for the first time, the number of patients living after an invasive cancer diagnosis has exceeded the 200,000 mark, equivalent to 1 in 24 people in Ireland. This reflects the ongoing improvement in cancer survival.
  • More complete data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer diagnoses indicates that the pandemic resulted in a 10% reduction in cancer diagnoses (based on all cancers) or 11% (based on microscopically verified cancers) in 2020, compared to what was expected that year.
  • Median age at diagnosis for all cancer combined (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) was 69 years in men and 67 years in women, with little change over time.  The median age at death for all invasive cancers combined was 74 years in both men and women, an increase compared with the median of 72 years in both men and women during 1994-1998, consistent with improved cancer survival.
  • Further evidence of improvements in colorectal cancer control in men, as this cancer drops from 2nd to 3rd most common cause of cancer deaths in men.

Chair of the NCRI Board Dr Jerome Coffey, welcomed the report and said: “These data tell a clear story of improvements in cancer survival rates over time. Combined with increasing numbers of new cases the report describes the number of people alive and well following diagnosis and treatment. This further underlines the recommendations for service developments contained in the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026.”

NCRI Director Professor Deirdre Murray said: “The impact of investment in cancer services can take years to become manifest at a population level.  Our report this year highlights some key successes that have been achieved over the last decade. The question of the impact of Covid-19 remains a priority for the NCRI as we continue to research the extent and longer term sequelae of the pandemic.”  

Cancers: 

Building 6800
Cork Airport Business Park
Kinsale Road, Cork T12 CDF7
Email Contact us here
Tel: +353 (0) 21 4318014
Fax: +353 (0) 21 4318016

NCRI directions

Go to top