Irish Cancer Society

Our community is at the heart of everything we do and together our passion to create a future where nobody dies from cancer is absolute. To achieve this mission, quite simply, #WeWontStop. We won't stop researching better treatments. We won't stop advocating for the needs of cancer patients across the country. We won't stop listening and giving advice to everyone who needs us. We won’t stop showing up when you need us. For support and more visit cancer.ie

The BIG Pink Breakfast is back for 2024! This October people across the country will come together in support of breast cancer patients, like Patrice Morrissey, who has generously shared the impact support likes yours had for her. You have the power to change the lives of people with breast cancer now – and into the future. Be part of making a difference by visiting cancer.ie/pink ☕💕

Getting to treatment can present challenges for some patients. Our incredible Transport team alleviate these worries, and our volunteer drivers make this easier by providing a free lift to and from chemotherapy appointments. If you'd like to get involved apply now at cancer.ie/drive

Self-care means looking after yourself – physically and emotionally. Self-care is important for patients and carers alike, everyone needs time to rest and recharge. To find out more about supports available to you visit cancer.ie/support

Introducing another of our amazing Summer Studentship participants, Precious! “My name is Precious Olatunji and I am about to start my Final year as a Pharmacy student at RCSI. Through the Irish Cancer Society studentship, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work on a project titled “Exploring the clinical, economic and patient impact of fixed versus indefinite treatment durations of pembrolizumab across cancer indications.” Pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, has revolutionised cancer treatment, by offering durable responses and improving survival outcomes. However, the optimal treatment duration remains uncertain. Some regimens prescribe pembrolizumab indefinitely, while others follow fixed-duration protocols. Determining the optimal treatment duration could potentially reduce costs, minimise side effects, decrease time spent in oncology wards, and enhance overall patient well-being. This studentship has enabled me to explore the impact of treatment duration from a clinical, patient-centered, and economic perspective. By evaluating the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of different treatment durations, this study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to optimise treatment and inform health technology assessment (HTA) decisions. This experience has been invaluable, deepening my understanding of HTA methods and developing my skills in literature review and appraisal. Overall, this studentship has been an enriching journey, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to cancer research while significantly improving my research skills.” We can't wait to see the incredible work you'll do in the field! 💛

Going through a cancer diagnosis, or know someone who is? 💛 Our free Cancer Support Packs are here to help. Inside, you'll find information booklets, service guides, and more to support you or your loved one through this time. Order yours today at cancer.ie/supportpacks ✨

The National Cancer Strategy states that 90% of patients who receive radiotherapy should commence it within 15 days of being ready to treat. Last year only 6/10 patients began their radiotherapy treatment on time, compared to 8/10 people in 2018. Time and time again we have called on government to increase capacity and infrastructure to deliver the radiation therapy and care Irish patients deserve. More and more people are being diagnosed with cancer every year in Ireland. We need commitment from government to invest in long term solutions to meet future demand, including increasing radiation therapy university places. Review of radiation therapy staffing recommends 'urgent action' on vacancies (irishexaminer.com)

Our Support Line has been hearing from cancer patients affected by delays to treatment, surgeries and follow up care. We understand how distressing this can be for patients and their families and if you’ve been affected we’re here for you. Our specialist cancer nurses are available on our Support Line Mon-Friday on freephone 1800 200 700 or email us anytime on supportline@irishcancer.ie

A team of researchers in Trinity College Dublin are looking for adults aged 70 years and over who have an active cancer diagnosis to participate in a European Clinical Trial. Participants will be matched with a volunteer ‘navigator’ who will provide support to them for a one year period (free of charge). The trial will evaluate the impact of the ‘navigation’ intervention on the quality of life and wellbeing of participants. If you would like any further information on being involved in this study, please contact the Trinity College EU Navigate Research Team at (01) 498 6239

Spend a day with Andrew as he brings us behind the scenes at a UCD Conway lab, where he is looking at different ways to treat prostate cancer so that it doesn't become resistant to treatment. Andrew is an Irish Cancer Society Summer Studentship Awardee!