Ireland Faces Growing Cancer Burden,New EU Report Reveals
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Dublin,Ireland (time.news) – January 1, 2025
A new report from the European Commission paints a concerning picture of ireland’s cancer landscape, revealing the nation has the second-highest rate of new cancer diagnoses in the EU. The report projects a 47% increase in cases by 2040, significantly outpacing the projected 18% EU average increase.
The mixed report card
, as described by the Irish Cancer Society, highlights the urgent need for government intervention to improve cancer care and address growing inequalities.Without urgent action, both individuals and the State face an enormous cancer burden in the coming years. Much of this could
worsen, warned Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society. She emphasized the report must serve as a wake-up call to Government.
Alarming Cancer Incidence and mortality Rates
The European Commission’s Country Cancer profiles, published as part of the European Cancer Inequalities Registry, project 733 new cancer cases per 100,000 men and 561 new cases per 100,000 women in Ireland for 2022. These figures exceed the EU averages of 684 and 488, respectively.
While Ireland has seen a critically important decline in cancer mortality rates between 2011 and 2021, the rate remains 5.4% higher than the EU average and the third highest in western Europe.
Disparities in Outcomes and Access to Care
The report underscores significant disparities in cancer outcomes based on socioeconomic background. Individuals in the most deprived areas face a 43% higher risk of mortality within five years of diagnosis compared to those in the least deprived regions.
Despite a higher ratio of physicians and nurses per 1,000 new cancer cases than many EU nations, Ireland faces shortages of GPs, radiologists, radiation therapists, and other crucial medical personnel. The report also warns of escalating healthcare costs,wiht per capita expenditure on cancer care projected to rise by 80% in Ireland between 2023 and 2050,compared to a 59% increase across the EU.
Lung Cancer: A Persistent Challenge
While cancer types in Ireland generally align with EU patterns, lung cancer presents a particular concern. Lung cancer incidence among women in Ireland is 63% higher than the EU average, with avoidable mortality 19% higher. This reflects historically higher smoking rates among women, despite recent declines.
Conversely, avoidable mortality from lung cancer among Irish men is 29% lower than the EU average.
Positive Developments and Calls for Action
The report does highlight some positive aspects. Ireland outperforms most EU countries in managing key cancer risk factors like tobacco use, and alcohol consumption has decreased. Physical inactivity among Irish adults (51%) is significantly lower than the EU average (70%). Participation in breast and cervical cancer screening programs also surpasses the EU average.
However, the Irish Cancer society stresses the urgency of addressing the report’s findings. The projected increase in cancer cases and persistent inequalities demand immediate action from the government to strengthen cancer care,improve access to services,and reduce disparities in outcomes.
Ireland’s Cancer Crisis: High Rates Demand urgent Action
Dublin – Ireland faces a critical challenge with the second highest cancer rates in the European Union and the third highest mortality rates, according to recent data. this alarming situation necessitates immediate action to improve diagnostics,treatment access,and preventative measures,according to experts.
West of Ireland Faces Unique Challenges
Professor Michael Kerin, Director of Cancer Network for HSE West and Northwest, highlighted the specific difficulties faced by the western region. We’re particularly challenged here in the west of Ireland because of social deprivation and lack of access to diagnostics,
he stated.
Today’s report “copper fastens” the challenges Ireland faces in delivering a thorough cancer program. We’re aware that one in two of us will get cancer and one in three will die from it.
Professor Michael Kerin
This disparity underscores the need for targeted interventions and resource allocation to address these regional inequalities.
Early Detection and Prevention Key to Improved Outcomes
Early detection and preventative measures are crucial for improving cancer outcomes and reducing the burden on the healthcare system. When cancer is picked up early, it is indeed far easier and cheaper to treat. Investing now in expanded screening services and reduced waiting times for cancer tests and treatment would lead to significant savings for the State in the long-term.It would also save lives,
an expert emphasized. Focusing on preventable cancers is equally vital. Four out of ten cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes, like not smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight,
they added.
Call for Integrated Cancer Program and Infrastructure investment
Professor Kerin stressed the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach. We need an integrated approach in the delivery of a comprehensive cancer program for this region with appropriate access to early diagnosis and treatment in a functional cancer center as we have in the National Progress Plan. We need to deliver the Model 4 hospital here for our cancer programme and for the ambulatory cancer centres for our region,
he explained. While acknowledging the efforts of the National Cancer Control Programme, he cautioned against complacency.We’ve got to keep an eye that we don’t let anything slip. We still have a way to make up particularly with diagnostic imaging for this region,
he warned.
Competition with Emergency Services Hinders progress
A significant challenge highlighted by Professor Kerin is the competition between cancer care and emergency services, particularly during peak periods. This competition for resources can negatively impact cancer patients’ access to timely diagnosis and treatment,ultimately affecting outcomes. He emphasized the need for systemic changes to address this issue.
Additional reporting by teresa Mannion
ireland’s Cancer Burden: A Wake-Up Call? A Time.news Interview with Dr. Anya Sharma
Dublin, Ireland (Time.news) – A recent European Commission report has cast a spotlight on Ireland’s escalating cancer crisis, revealing the nation faces the second-highest rate of new cancer diagnoses in the EU. Time.news spoke with Dr.Anya Sharma, a leading oncologist and public health specialist, to delve deeper into the implications of this report and what needs to be done.
Time.news: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us. The EU report paints a concerning picture of cancer in Ireland. Can you summarize the key findings?
Dr. Sharma: Thanks for having me. The report highlights a number of critical issues. Firstly, cancer incidence in Ireland is alarmingly high, considerably exceeding the EU average. Projections suggest a massive 47% increase in cases by 2040. While mortality rates have decreased between 2011 and 2021, they remain stubbornly high compared to the EU average. Furthermore,the disparity between socioeconomic groups is deeply concerning. Individuals in deprived areas face a much higher risk of mortality.
Time.news: The Irish Cancer Society described the report as a ”wake-up call.” Do you agree?
Dr. Sharma: Absolutely. This isn’t just a wake-up call; it’s a siren. We’ve known for some time that Ireland faces a growing cancer burden, but this report quantifies the problem and underscores the urgency for action. Without immediate and considerable intervention,our healthcare system will struggle to cope,and the human cost will be devastating.
Time.news: The report mentions disparities in access to care. Can you elaborate on that? What contributes to these inequalities in cancer treatment in Ireland?
Dr.Sharma: Access to care is a multifaceted issue. While Ireland has a reasonably good number of physicians and nurses per cancer case, there are notable shortages in key areas like GPs, radiologists, and radiation therapists, especially in hospitals outside of Dublin. This issue alone creates disparities. Socioeconomic factors also play a major role, as stated in the report. People in disadvantaged areas are more likely to be diagnosed late, have limited access to specialized treatments, and face poorer outcomes, as highlighted by professor Kerin in one of the source article. This could derive from geographic considerations, or socioeconomic constraints.
Time.news: Cancer mortality rates in Ireland are higher than the EU average, despite declining in recent years. What factors contribute to this?
Dr. Sharma: Several factors are at play. late diagnosis is a major contributor. The competition between cancer care and emergency services, particularly during peak periods, exacerbates delays, impacting diagnosis and treatment. Also, while we have pockets of excellent cancer care, consistent nationwide access to the latest treatments and technologies is still not guaranteed.
Time.news: Lung cancer is specifically highlighted as a problem, especially among women. Why is lung cancer incidence rates among women in Ireland so high?
Dr.Sharma: That’s largely attributed to historically higher smoking rates among women in Ireland. While smoking rates have decreased,the impact of past smoking habits is still being felt. it’s also vital to note that younger generations are increasingly exposed to vaping and E-cigarettes, which could cause unknown future health consequences.
Time.news: What positive aspects dose the report identify regarding cancer prevention in Ireland?
Dr. Sharma: Fortunately, the report also highlights some successes. Ireland has done well in managing certain risk factors like tobacco use, and alcohol consumption has decreased. Physical inactivity is also lower than the EU average, and our participation rate in screening programs for breast and cervical cancer exceeds the EU average. These highlight the effectiveness of existing public health campaigns.
Time.news: The report projects future growth increase in the cost of cancer care for Ireland. What measures can the Government take toward early detection and prevention?
Dr. Sharma: Investing in prevention efforts is paramount. That means implementing stricter regulations on tobacco and alcohol advertising,promoting healthy lifestyles through education and accessible resources,and strengthening screening programs with wider reach and faster turnaround times.moreover, the government should act promptly to allocate greater resources to early detection and prevention. As one of cited experts points out,early detection ends up being far easier and cheaper to treat in the long run.
Time.news: What would you say are the most crucial steps the Irish government needs to take right now to address this cancer crisis in Ireland?
Dr. Sharma: Firstly, we need to tackle inequalities in access to care by investing in infrastructure, equipment, and staffing, particularly in underserved regions. Professor Kerin is spot on about having the means to make diagnoses in cancer centres nationally. Secondly, we must prioritize prevention through complete public health campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles and discouraging smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Thirdly, we need to ramp up efforts to reduce waiting times for diagnosis and treatment significantly. Fourthly, we must strengthen the National Cancer Control Programme and ensure it has the resources and authority to coordinate a comprehensive, national cancer strategy. This must involve a new systematic approach.
Time.news: what practical advice would you give to our readers regarding cancer risk reduction?
Dr. Sharma: The best advice is to adopt a healthy lifestyle.Don’t smoke, limit alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy weight, engage in regular physical activity, and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Be aware of your family history and any potential risk factors. And crucially, participate in recommended screening programs. Early detection is key to improving outcomes. And, most importantly, contact your health care provider immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Time.news: Dr.Sharma, thank you for your valuable insights.
Dr. Sharma: My pleasure. Let’s hope this report serves as the catalyst for the urgent action that’s so desperately needed.