Ireland

In accordance with A Strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland 2006, the Health Service Executive (HSE) established a National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) in 2007, appointing Professor Tom Keane as Interim Director in November 2007. The Programme is intended to precipitate significant improvements in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survival through a national service, based on evidence and best practice. This involves considerable realignment of cancer services in order to transition a fragmented system of care to one that is consistent with international best practice in cancer control.

Under the NCCP, each of four managed cancer control networks, including two cancer centers within each network, serves a minimum population of 500,000 patients. Cancer diagnostic and surgical services will be provided within these eight centers and chemotherapy will be delivered locally, in accordance with protocols established by the multidisciplinary teams based in the designated center. For additional information on the NCCP, visit the HSE Web site.

The process of relocating diagnostic and surgical cancer services from non-designated hospitals to designated cancer centers is ongoing. By the end of 2008, 50% of diagnostic and surgical cancer services were provided within the eight cancer centers. It is expected that 80-90% of these services will have been fully transferred to the eight centers by the end of 2009.

Cancer Screening Services

BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, aims to reduce the number of deaths resulting from breast cancer in Ireland by providing free breast screening to all women aged 50-64. By the end of 2008, BreastCheck was available in most of Ireland's twenty-six counties; BreastCheck will be universally available in Ireland by the end of 2009. Recently compiled figures indicate that over 75% of women accepted invitations to attend screening appointments in 2007, surpassing the program target of 70%. As a result of this screening program, approximately 400 cancers were detected. When the program is fully launched at the end of 2009, BreastCheck will invite women aged 50-64 for a free mammogram on an area-by-area basis every two years, screening approximately 140,000 women per year.

CervicalCheck, the National Cervical Screening Programme, provides free Pap smear tests through primary care settings to the 1.1 million women aged 25-60 living in Ireland. The program was initially rolled out on 1 September 2008 and in 2009, approximately 240,000 women will be screened. Women aged 25-44 will be screened every three years and women aged 45-60, every five years.

National Cancer Registry, Ireland

The National Cancer Registry, Ireland (NCRI) collects high quality data on cancer and promotes the use of this information in reducing cancer incidence and improving survival. NCRI's activities fall into the two main categories of data collection and reporting. This information is used in research programs investigating the causes of cancer, in developing and executing education and information programs, and in planning the national cancer strategy for Ireland. NCRI also provides essential input regarding the formation, implementation, and monitoring of data relating to clinical activities and outcomes under the NCCP.

Health Research Board

The Health Research Board (HRB) administers a range of research programs, including cancer clinical trials and cancer research fellowship initiatives, under the Ireland-Northern Ireland-National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Consortium.

Ireland-Northern Ireland-National Cancer Institute Cancer Consortium

The Department of Health and Children (DoHC) and all other stakeholders in Ireland continue to recognize and value the key role played by the Ireland-Northern Ireland-NCI Cancer Consortium in enhancing cancer research, education, and training on the island of Ireland. The Consortium's Irish members wish to express gratitude to public health colleagues in Northern Ireland and at the NCI for the wholehearted cooperation that characterizes and continues to strengthen the Consortium.