New Cancer Dashboard for Ireland

How does cancer care in Ireland compare to national and European targets and to other Western European countries? This dashboard-style report provides a visual and quantitative description of selected performance indicators in all areas of cancer care. The analysis is based on both national and international databases.

Ireland faces a growing cancer burden, but survival has improved markedly over time. Prevention and early detection remain key levers, with substantial room for improvement in smoking, alcohol consumption, HPV vaccination, and screening participation. Diagnosis and treatment capacity as well as clinical trial activity is constrained, with workforce shortages, gaps in imaging and biomarker infrastructure, and limited access to novel cancer medicines. Important progress in modernizing cancer care is emerging, including Ireland’s first accredited Comprehensive Cancer Centre in 2025, but digitalization and access to healthcare data are lagging behind. Survivorship needs are growing, with the new national palliative care policy and progress on “Right to be Forgotten” legislation marking significant steps forward.

The purpose of the dashboard is to support the implementation and renewal of the National Cancer Strategy and other ongoing initiatives to improve cancer care in the country.

For more information please contact Thomas Hofmarcher

Cancer Dashboard for Ireland, IHE 2026, Lund, Sweden