A major new report is warning that the number of cancer cases in Ireland could double by 2045.
The National Cancer Registry (NCR) has found that when all cancers excluding non-melanoma skin cancer are combined, there could be a 111% increases for men and an 80% increase for women.
That would mark an overall doubling of cases to 43,000.
It said the increase could be a “more modest” 50% for both genders, if “recent trends, including declines” continue.
The report warns that if cancer rates and percentages remain the way they have been in recent years, the number of newly-diagnosed patients undergoing surgery for cancer is expected to jump by 75% by 2045.
The number undergoing radiotherapy is projected to increase by 77% while the number needing chemotherapy is projected to increase by 68%.
"Buckling"
The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has called for urgent Government investment to future-proof Ireland’s cancer services – warning that their own services are already “buckling” under current demand.
Spokesperson Dr Robert O'Connor said the numbers are concerning.
“We are very worried about the projection for these increases in numbers,” he said.
“Our cancer services are already struggling under burden and we would be very concerned if there is indeed a doubling by 2045.”
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He said the Government must now plan ahead to tackle the expected increase.
“We are calling on them to take this report very seriously,” he said. “To start planning now.”
“It takes time to adequately resource and equip hospitals to ensure that they have the right numbers of staff etc. to be able to deal with this.
“Also that the Government resource measures to control cancer cases – so improve and empower detail for people around their lifestyles.”
Cancer
Hodgkin lymphoma has the smallest projected increases to 2045 for both men and women while bladder cancer has the largest expected rise.
According to the report, the most common cancers in 2015, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, were prostate, female breast, lung and colon cancers.
