Cancer Services (Ireland)

Cancer is one of the main causes of death in Ireland. If you have any concerns regarding cancer or have a family history of cancer or have symptoms that you are worried about, you should contact your family doctor (GP).

Cancer care services are provided by your family doctor (GP), hospitals and community care services.

There are also Palliative care services, that is, care for a patient and his/her family when there is no longer a medical expectation of a cure.

HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP)

It is widely accepted that the best outcomes for cancer patients are achieved when the initial diagnosis, treatment plan, surgery and Radiotherapy are carried out by multi-disciplinary teams dealing with large numbers of patients.

In 2007 the Health Service Executive (HSE) established a National Cancer Control Programme to manage, organise and deliver a national programme for the entire population. Under the NCCP there are eight cancer centres within four managed cancer control networks nationally. All initial diagnosis and surgery will eventually take place in these cancer centres. Chemotherapy and follow up care will be delivered more locally, according to care plans set at the cancer centres.

National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS)

The National Cancer Screening Service encompasses BreastCheck and CervicalCheck.

Colorectal Cancer Screening
The NCSS established an Expert Group to review and explore the potential benefits of introducing a colorectal cancer screening programme. The Expert Group has submitted its recommendations to the Minister for Health and Children.

National Cancer Registry

The National Cancer Registry is a statutory body whose function is to collect and analyse data and report on cancer incidence and mortality in Ireland.

The Ireland-Northern-Ireland-NCI Cancer Consortium is a bilateral partnership involving the Department of Health & Social Service and Public Safety, Northern Ireland, the Department of Health and Children, and the NCI, US Department of Health and Human Services.

Expenses

Child oncology patients and children with permanent disabilities

In the case of children receiving treatment for cancer (that is, child oncology patients) and children with permanent disabilities, tax relief may be claimed on certain telephone, overnight accommodation, travel, hygiene products and special clothing expenses incurred as health expenses. Read more about taxation of medical expenses in Ireland here.

Travel2Care scheme

Some people who are referred to a cancer centre may need help with the costs of travelling to their appointment(s). The NCCP therefore funds a Travel2Care scheme, which is administered by the Irish Cancer Society. The scheme may help patients with some travel costs if they have genuine financial hardship or need due to travelling to a cancer centre.

You can get an application form directly from Eimear Considine, Travel2Care, Irish Cancer Society, Tel: 01-2316619 or email travel2care@irishcancer.ie or download the form from the Irish Cancer Society website.

Where to apply

Last Updated: 23/9/2009