Cancer services
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 family doctor (GP), hospitals and community care services.
There are also palliative care services, that is, care for a patient and his/her family when there is no longer a medical expectation of a cure.
HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP)
It is widely accepted that the best outcomes for cancer patients are achieved when the initial diagnosis, treatment plan, surgery and radiotherapy are carried out by multi-disciplinary teams dealing with large numbers of patients.
In 2007 the Health Service Executive (HSE) established a National Cancer Control Programme to manage, organise and deliver a national programme for the entire population. Under the NCCP there are eight cancer centres within four managed cancer control networks nationally. All initial diagnosis and surgery will eventually take place in these cancer centres. Chemotherapy and follow up care will be delivered more locally, according to care plans set at the cancer centres. There are Rapid Access Clinics for prostate cancer detection and treatment and lung cancer detection and treatment in all eight cancer centres. You may be referred to one of these by your GP or other medical professional.
| Networks | Centres |
| HSE Dublin North East | Beaumont Hospital Mater Misericordiae University Hospital |
| HSE Dublin Mid Leinster | St. James's Hospital St. Vincent's University Hospital |
| HSE South | Cork University Hospital University Hospital Waterford |
| HSE West | University Hospital Galway University Hospital Limerick |
National Cancer Screening Service
The National Cancer Screening Service is part of the NCCP and provides the following cancer screening programmes:
- BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme
- CervicalCheck, the National Cervical Screening Programme
- BowelScreen, the National Bowel Screening Programme
National Cancer Registry
The National Cancer Registry is a statutory body whose function is to collect and analyse data and report on cancer incidence and mortality in Ireland.
Expenses
Child oncology patients and children with permanent disabilities
In the case of children receiving treatment for cancer (that is, child oncology patients) and children with permanent disabilities, tax relief may be claimed on certain telephone, overnight accommodation, travel, hygiene products and special clothing expenses incurred as health expenses. Read more about taxation of medical expenses in Ireland here.
Travel2Care scheme
Some people who are referred to a cancer centre may need help with the costs of travelling to their appointments. The NCCP funds a Travel2Care scheme, which is administered by the Irish Cancer Society. The scheme may help patients with some travel costs if they have genuine financial hardship or need due to travelling to a cancer centre. A patient must be travelling a distance of 50kms or greater (one way) to their appointment.
Patients who are attending a designated cancer care centre for cancer tests can apply by downloading and completing Travel2Care Application Form A: Travel Expenses for Cancer Tests (pdf). You can request 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.
Patients who are having ongoing treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy or palliative care), must speak to a medical social worker, cancer nurse or other healthcare professional who may complete Travel2Care Application Form B on their behalf. This is a once-off payment for the expected treatment plan.
Volunteer Driver Service
The Volunteer Driver Service is a volunteer-led transport initiative in which the Irish Cancer Society recruit and train volunteers to drive 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 the medical social worker in the partnering hospital or to the nurse who administers your chemotherapy treatment. 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.
Where to apply
The Irish Cancer Society is a voluntary organisation that provides support
and help to cancer sufferers and their families. It provides some nursing
services and funds some palliative care and twilight 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 had cancer and for their families and friends. It operates from the Irish Cancer Society premises. Cancer Helpline Freefone 1800 200 700. E-mail: support@irishcancer.ie