Types of cancer services
- Introduction
- National Cancer Screening Service
- HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP)
- Travel and expenses covered during your cancer treatment
- Further information about cancer services
Introduction
Cancer is one of the main causes of death in Ireland. If you have any concerns regarding cancer or have a family history of cancer or have symptoms that you are worried about, you should contact your family doctor (GP).
Cancer care services are provided by your GP, hospitals and community care services.
There are also palliative care services, which are services for a patient and their family if there is no medical expectation of a cure.
The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) works with health service providers to prevent and treat cancer and increase survival and quality of life if you develop cancer.
National Cancer Screening Service
The types of treatment you may be given depend on your cancer diagnosis.
The National Cancer Screening Service is part of the NCCP. Screening means checking your body for cancer before you have symptoms.
The National Cancer Screening Service provides the following cancer screening programmes:
- BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme
- CervicalCheck, the National Cervical Screening Programme
- BowelScreen, the National Bowel Screening Programme
Review of your cancer screenings
From 26 September 2024, you must be informed before or at the time of the cancer screening that you have a right to request a review of your completed screening. You also have the right to be told the outcome of this review.
This is known as a Part 5 review and is part of the HSE open disclosure policy. Read more about open disclosure and patient safety on the HSE website.
HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP)
Cancer patients have better outcomes when their initial diagnosis, treatment plan, surgery and radiotherapy are carried out by multidisciplinary teams.
A multidisciplinary team is a group of doctors and other health professionals with expertise in a specific cancer. They manage and plan the cancer treatment that is best for each patient.
The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) manages, organises and delivers Ireland’s cancer programme for the Health Service Executive (HSE).
There are 9 cancer centres across the country. Most of the initial diagnosis and surgery takes place in these cancer centres. Chemotherapy and follow-up care will be delivered closer to the patient's home, according to care plans set at the cancer centres.
There are also Rapid Access Clinics in 8 cancer centres.
Rapid Access Clinics are for the detection and treatment of:
You may be referred to one of these by your GP or other medical professional.
| Hospital Group | Centres |
| Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland |
Beaumont Hospital |
| Ireland East | Mater University Hospital
St Vincent's University Hospital |
| Dublin Midlands |
St James's Hospital |
| South/Southwest |
Cork University Hospital University Hospital Waterford |
| Saolta University |
University Hospital Galway Letterkenny General Hospital
|
| University Limerick | University Hospital Limerick |
| Children’s Health Ireland | Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin |
Travel and expenses covered during your cancer treatment
Post-mastectomy products
If you had a mastectomy to treat breast cancer, you will get a lightweight breast shape (prosthesis) to wear inside your bra before you leave the hospital.
You can also get 2 free post-mastectomy bras and 1 free prosthesis after your mastectomy from the HSE.
If you have a medical card, you can get a further:
- 2 post-mastectomy bras every year and
- 1 prosthesis every 2 years
This is usually arranged by your healthcare team in the hospital. If there is no fitting service for post-mastectomy products in your hospital you can apply for funding from the HSE.
Your healthcare team will give you information about this at a follow-up appointment after your mastectomy.
Hair replacement items
If you have cancer you can get up to €500 for one hair replacement item such as a hairpiece or wig, in each calendar year under the Treatment benefit scheme. It does not cover surgical or topical treatments.
If you have a medical card, you will be entitled to an allowance towards the cost of your hairpiece. To claim you will need to get a letter from your cancer nurse or doctor before you buy the wig to say you need it for medical reasons.
Child cancer patients
If your child is getting treatment for cancer, tax relief may be claimed on certain health expenses.
These can include:
- Telephone
- Overnight accommodation
- Travel
- Hygiene products
- Special clothing
Read more about taxation of medical expenses in Ireland here.
Travel2Care scheme
The NCCP funds a travel scheme to help some patients pay to travel to cancer tests and treatment. It is administered by the Irish Cancer Society. You must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the scheme. More information is available on the Irish Cancer Society website.
Travel2Care Form A for cancer tests
If you are having cancer tests, you can apply by downloading and completing Travel2Care Application Form A: Travel Expenses for Cancer Tests (pdf). You can ask to have a form sent to you by contacting: Travel2Care, Irish Cancer Society Tel: (01) 231 0522 email: travel@irishcancer.ie.
Travel2Care Form B for ongoing treatment
If you are having ongoing treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy or palliative care), you must speak to a medical social worker, cancer nurse or other healthcare professional who can complete the Travel2Care Application Form B on their behalf. This is an application for a once-off payment for the expected treatment plan.
Volunteer Driver Service
The Irish Cancer Society runs a Volunteer Driver Service that provides transport for cancer patients to and from their chemotherapy appointments. The service is free to the patient and the hospital. View the list of hospitals participating in the Volunteer Driver Service.
To be referred to the service, talk to your hospital social worker or chemotherapy nurse. They will discuss the service with you and whether it is suitable for your needs. For more information, call the Irish Cancer Society on (01) 231 0522.
Further information about cancer services
The Irish Cancer Society is a voluntary organisation that provides support and help to cancer patients and their families. It provides some nursing services and funds some palliative care and night nursing services. It has local branches in most parts of the country.
If you cannot work due to your illness, you can find out more about sick leave and sick pay from your employer.
You can find out more about social welfare benefits when you are sick.
You can find more about cancer support groups.
CanTeen is a support group for young people aged 12–25 who have or who have had cancer. Cancer Helpline Freefone 1800 200 700. E-mail: info@canteen.ie
The National Cancer Registry collects and analyses data information on all cancer cases in Ireland.