Types of cancer services
- Information
- National Cancer Screening Service
- HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP)
- Expenses
- Further information
Information
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.
In Budget 2022, a grant for wigs, hairpieces or hair replacement systems due to illness was announced as part of the Treatment Benefit Scheme. The grant will cover half the cost, up to €500. It is expected to be available from June 2022.
National Cancer Screening Service
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
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 nine cancer centres across the country, split into seven hospital groups. 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 eight cancer centres.
Rapid Access Clinics are for:
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 |
Expenses
Child cancer patients
In the case of children receiving 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 6643 or (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 or (01) 231 0566.
Further information
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.
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